"In Frances Richard's hands, language is more than just a theme. It is a practice, a way of thinking, and it becomes a critical framework that changes the way we see the artist, his work, his language, and the sociohistorical context in which all are embedded."--Gwen Allen, Professor of Art History, San Francisco State University "Like a well-written novel, what might appear as factual minutia becomes enlivened by Richard into a penetrating character analysis; we become more and more invested in learning about this unusual artist whose career and life were cut short by illness and death. Fortunately, Gordon Matta-Clark: Physical Poetics doesn't stop at mere biography. This close analysis of the life, writings, sculpture, and conceptual artworks of Gordon Matta-Clark is a work of serious research."--Jennifer A. González, Professor of Art History and Visual Culture, University of California, Santa Cruz "Energetic and well-informed, Richard keeps the quirkiness of her subject in mind as she demonstrates a broad and deep knowledge of, and sympathy for, Gordon Matta-Clark, capturing the range of his interests and engagements."--Jack Flam, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Art and Art History, City University of New York and President, Dedalus Foundation