Cast a Cold Eye by William Davie
Doris Press’s inaugural publication, Cast A Cold Eye, comprises eight essays and revised reviews, all unified by a deep sense of curiosity. William Davie critically engages with established narratives and excavates what has fallen between the cracks of history. He examines under appreciated aspects of artistic production, such as Helen Frankenthaler’s highly innovative woodcut prints and argues why printmaking should be considered Paula Rego’s principal medium, and why the late works of Frans Hals deserve renewed attention.
Davie tells the story of how the excitable rediscovery of Vermeer by Théophile Thoré-Bürger in the mid-19th century brought renewed focus to an enigmatic artist who, though hidden in plain sight, might one day be seen as a forerunner of artistic innovation during the Dutch Golden Age and who is only now receiving proper scholarly appreciation. He explores the convoluted and often Sisyphean efforts of historians and curators to bring overlooked artists into the recognised architecture of Western art history.
From the tireless efforts of Gordon Parks to depict the struggle of African Americans, to the extraordinary compassion of Lorelei Guillory in the wake of her six-year-old son’s murder, and the empathetic curiosity of Jan Arriens, founder of Lifelines, Davie draws meaningful connections between artistic practice and human resilience.
He traces the enduring power of Francisco de Zurbarán’s didactic use of light in 17th-century Spain, and Toko Shinoda’s quest to transcend the trappings of modernist calligraphy and patriarchal postwar Japan, journeying to America and back again, in search of the artistic freedom and confidence that would come to define her 107-year-long life and career.
William Davie’s writing needs no images; his ekphrastic style and meticulous research are more than enough.
Edited by Rachel Howard; Hugo Lau
Design by Billie Temple
Printed and bound by TJ Books
Copyright © 2025, William Davie
All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-1-0684799-0-8
Doris Press’s inaugural publication, Cast A Cold Eye, comprises eight essays and revised reviews, all unified by a deep sense of curiosity. William Davie critically engages with established narratives and excavates what has fallen between the cracks of history. He examines under appreciated aspects of artistic production, such as Helen Frankenthaler’s highly innovative woodcut prints and argues why printmaking should be considered Paula Rego’s principal medium, and why the late works of Frans Hals deserve renewed attention.
Davie tells the story of how the excitable rediscovery of Vermeer by Théophile Thoré-Bürger in the mid-19th century brought renewed focus to an enigmatic artist who, though hidden in plain sight, might one day be seen as a forerunner of artistic innovation during the Dutch Golden Age and who is only now receiving proper scholarly appreciation. He explores the convoluted and often Sisyphean efforts of historians and curators to bring overlooked artists into the recognised architecture of Western art history.
From the tireless efforts of Gordon Parks to depict the struggle of African Americans, to the extraordinary compassion of Lorelei Guillory in the wake of her six-year-old son’s murder, and the empathetic curiosity of Jan Arriens, founder of Lifelines, Davie draws meaningful connections between artistic practice and human resilience.
He traces the enduring power of Francisco de Zurbarán’s didactic use of light in 17th-century Spain, and Toko Shinoda’s quest to transcend the trappings of modernist calligraphy and patriarchal postwar Japan, journeying to America and back again, in search of the artistic freedom and confidence that would come to define her 107-year-long life and career.
William Davie’s writing needs no images; his ekphrastic style and meticulous research are more than enough.
Edited by Rachel Howard; Hugo Lau
Design by Billie Temple
Printed and bound by TJ Books
Copyright © 2025, William Davie
All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-1-0684799-0-8
Doris Press’s inaugural publication, Cast A Cold Eye, comprises eight essays and revised reviews, all unified by a deep sense of curiosity. William Davie critically engages with established narratives and excavates what has fallen between the cracks of history. He examines under appreciated aspects of artistic production, such as Helen Frankenthaler’s highly innovative woodcut prints and argues why printmaking should be considered Paula Rego’s principal medium, and why the late works of Frans Hals deserve renewed attention.
Davie tells the story of how the excitable rediscovery of Vermeer by Théophile Thoré-Bürger in the mid-19th century brought renewed focus to an enigmatic artist who, though hidden in plain sight, might one day be seen as a forerunner of artistic innovation during the Dutch Golden Age and who is only now receiving proper scholarly appreciation. He explores the convoluted and often Sisyphean efforts of historians and curators to bring overlooked artists into the recognised architecture of Western art history.
From the tireless efforts of Gordon Parks to depict the struggle of African Americans, to the extraordinary compassion of Lorelei Guillory in the wake of her six-year-old son’s murder, and the empathetic curiosity of Jan Arriens, founder of Lifelines, Davie draws meaningful connections between artistic practice and human resilience.
He traces the enduring power of Francisco de Zurbarán’s didactic use of light in 17th-century Spain, and Toko Shinoda’s quest to transcend the trappings of modernist calligraphy and patriarchal postwar Japan, journeying to America and back again, in search of the artistic freedom and confidence that would come to define her 107-year-long life and career.
William Davie’s writing needs no images; his ekphrastic style and meticulous research are more than enough.
Edited by Rachel Howard; Hugo Lau
Design by Billie Temple
Printed and bound by TJ Books
Copyright © 2025, William Davie
All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-1-0684799-0-8