Steve Martin's "An Object of Beauty"

Image via theartnewspaper.com

Yes, that Steve Martin. Comedian, actor, banjo player, playwright, author, and art aficionado. A longtime collector, the man clearly knows his subject matter.

In his third novel (and my favorite Christmas gift this year), An Object of Beauty, Martin gives us a glimpse into the New York art world of the last twenty years. We view this tumultuous time through the eyes of Lacey, an opportunistic yet beguiling art dealer in-training. Our narrator is Daniel, Lacey’s college friend and art journalist, who tells us in the first few pages that the story will be told from his own “recollections, from conversations I conducted with those around her, and alas, from gossip…,” and admits to filling in the blanks with his own imagination. We get to know Lacey much as we would a work of art—from a distance and left to form our own conclusions.

Through Lacey, Martin cleverly wrestles with the question of value—both aesthetic and commercial—and manages to keep us entertained and enchanted with Lacey and her world without ever passing judgement.

This was truly a fast and engrossing read, appealing to art lovers and the uninitiated alike. Definitely recommended. The LA Times recently published an interview with Martin that provides some nice insight.

Comments

[Jason]

I love art, and I was excited to read Martin's book about the art world, especially since I really enjoyed his last couple of books. I was surprised, however, that as much as the book is about the art world, it is just as much about the notion of beauty, value, and even purpose. The character of Lacey reminds me a lot of Jay Gatsby, although more sympathetic and vulgar, just as flawed and status-driven. Quirky but tragic.