In My View is a collection of reflections by 78 contemporary artists in which each artist reveals the influence and inspiration he or she has found in a particular artwork or artist. Among the artists are John Baldessari, Daniel Buren, Chuck Close, Michael Craig-Martin, Tacita Dean, Marlene Dumas, Antony Gormley, Susan Hiller, Thomas Hirschhorn, Candida Hoefer, Vik Muniz, Jorge Pardo, Raymond Pettibon, Ed Ruscha, Bill Viola and Rachel Whiteread. The works chosen range from the fifteenth to the mid-twentieth century, some of them iconic, others lesser known. The accompanying essays are often very personal, recalling childhood memories and life-changing moments, and capturing the joy and excitement that come from encounters with great art. The stories show the profound connections that exist between artists past and present and offer an alternative look at art history from the 15th century to the 1960s, through the eyes of contemporary artists themselves. Simon Grant's introduction identifies themes that emerge and contextualizes the history and practice of artists looking back at the work of others.
