Name: The Art of the Straight Line: My Tai Chi
Brand: Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

9780063093539

Colour

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format Books US

Paperback

Format detail

Limited edition

Release date

2023-03-14

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Harpe­r Col­lins

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

Artist

Lou Reed

Laurie Anderson

Genre US

Music

Label US

Harperone

Laurie Anderson is an American performance artist and composer, born on June 5, 1947 in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Although she initially trained in the visual arts, her work incorporates a wide range of mediums including graphics, lighting, sculpture, mime, film, speech, music and electronics. By 1976, her performances were featured prominently in museums and concert venues across Europe and North America. Anderson's unique performances draw elements from storytelling, theatre, dance and popular entertainment.

In 1981, Anderson achieved unexpected crossover success with her single "O Superman," which reached number two on the British pop charts. This brought her a level of fame usually unavailable to avant-garde artists. Throughout her career, she has blended autobiographical and historical elements to create an idiosyncratic collection of words, sounds and images downloaded from various social archives.

Anderson's innovative approach to artistry has earned her greater visibility than most composers of her generation. Her work has influenced a diverse range of artists such as Meredith Monk and Brian Eno. She continues to push boundaries in the world of performance art.

Lou Reed was an American musician, songwriter, poet, and photographer. Born on March 2, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York, he began his music career in high school and later formed bands during his time at Syracuse University. He was deeply influenced by his professor Delmore Schwartz. In 1964, he co-founded the band The Velvet Underground with John Cale. After leaving the band in 1970, Reed signed a contract with RCA Records and continued to perform until shortly before his death in October 27, 2013.

Reed's diverse talents allowed him to excel as both a musician and a writer. His unique blend of rock music and poetic lyrics set him apart from other artists of his time. Throughout his career, he released numerous albums that showcased his distinctive style and garnered critical acclaim.

In addition to his musical achievements, Reed also had a passion for photography. His photographs captured intimate moments and offered a glimpse into his artistic vision beyond music.

The Art of the Straight Line captures the energy of Lou Reed’s worlds of Tai Chi, music, and meditation. It was edited by his wife, the artist Laurie Anderson, with Stephan Berwick, Bob Currie, and Scott Richman.

Lou Reed was a musician, singer, songwriter, poet, and founding member of the legendary rock band the Velvet Underground. He collaborated with many artists, from Andy Warhol and John Cale to Robert Wilson and Metallica. Reed had a groundbreaking solo career that spanned five decades until his death in 2013.

Reed was also an accomplished martial artist whose practice began in the 1980s. He studied with Chen Tai Chi pioneer Master Ren GuangYi. This book is a comprehensive collection of Reed’s writings on Tai Chi. It includes conversations with Reed’s fellow musicians, artists, friends, and Tai Chi practitioners, including Julian Schnabel, A. M. Homes, Hal Willner, Mingyur Rinpoche, Eddie Stern, Tony Visconti, and Iggy Pop.

Including over 150 photos, ephemera, and a color photo insert, The Art of the Straight Line features Reed’s unpublished writings on the technique, practice, and purpose of martial arts, as well as essays, observations, and riffs on meditation and life.

The Art of the Straight Line: My Tai Chi

Books US