Rooney, E. Ashley Western Art of the Twenty-first Century. Volume 1: Cowboys

The first in a two-volume survey, readers are invited to re-examine the history of the West and its art through a multi-faceted contemporary lens. More than 40 artists are included who reflect the tremendous diversity, depth, and breadth of a field steeped in history. While some follow the traditions established by Remington and Russell, others seek to break from tradition, busting myths and bringing new insights and artistic styles to the genre. They come from both sides of the Mississippi and have pedigrees that range from bona fide cowboy or Native American credentials to careers in commercial illustration. The unifying theme is a common concern for and commitment to their art and the West itself. In this volume, contemporary artists are featured whose work revolves around the American Cowboy. Within these pages, many different artists, some of whom have been cowboys themselves, exhibit their rendition of the wonderful world of the West.

While some follow the traditions of well-known painters Remington and Russell, others seek to break tradition, shatter myths and bring new insights and artistic styles to the genre. They come from both sides of the Mississippi River and have lineages ranging from real cowboys or Indians to careers in commercial illustration. The unifying theme is a common concern and commitment to their art and the Wild West. This volume features contemporary artists whose work is centred around the American cowboy. In these pages, many different artists, some of whom were cowboys themselves, show their depiction of the wonderful world of the West.