Narcissus Reflected : The Narcissus Myth in Surrealist and Contemporary Art

D. Lomas

Published to accompany an exhibition at The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, curated by Dawn Ades and David Lomas (23 April - 26 June 2011), this major publication explores the myth of Narcissus in Surrealist and contemporary art. The story of Narcissus - as told by Ovid, is of a beautiful youth infatuated by his reflection in a stream, who pines away in the presence of Echo and is metamorphosed into a flower of the same name. The myth is open to many interpretations and has captivated a number of modern and contemporary artists. This well-illustrated book explores the potency of the Narcissus myth in art, including photography, installation, film and video. Featuring works by Salvador Dali, Andre Masson, Jean Cocteau, Claude Cahun, Frida Kahlo, Jess, Yayoi Kusama, Pipilotti Rist, Bill Viola and many more, the publication explores in depth and explains the many meanings and interpretations of the myth, demonstrating the enduring appeal of the Narcissus theme in art.