Virtual Realities

An expansive consideration of the creative output of a unique twentieth-century master that brings a fresh perspective to his enigmatic and enduring work M. C. Escher (1898–1972) was born in the Netherlands and is known internationally for his self-described “mental images” that connect to mathematics and various branches of science. Considered a one-man art movement, he remained outside of the art establishment and is treasured today for his mind-bending works. His imagery explores the relationships between art and science, order and disorder, and logic and irrationality, and presents complex orchestrations of multidimensional alternate realities. Drawing from the Michael S. Sachs collection—the most extensive Escher holdings in the world—this overview of the artist’s work features more than five hundred objects, including prints, drawings, watercolors, printed fabrics, constructed objects, wood and linoleum blocks, lithographic stones, sketchbooks, and the artist’s working tools. Offering new insights into Escher’s iconic and idiosyncratic work, scholarly essays discuss the artist’s background and creative practice, examine the mathematical underpinnings of his use of geometric models, and ponder the ways his meticulously crafted images are filled with the element of wonder. Distributed for the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston