Hi-Fructose, Vol. 1

"Hi-Fructose: Collected Edition 1" Edited by Annie Owens and Attaboy. Published by Last Gasp, San Francisco, 4th printing 2011. ISBN: 978-0-86719-713-6. HC 257 Pgs. in 11 1/8" x 8 1/2" format embracing full-color reproductions of paintings, sketches, in addition to a few Steampunk thingamajigs, etc. Paper quality, binding, color reproductions, and artful composite presentation are well executed in contemporary style and offer no wasted space.All in all, Hi-Fructose once was largely underground art that has and is being exploited for its commercial value. Some originated as graffiti, much surfacing through "media sphere" of radio, TV, newspapers, blogs and diverse galleries. In an informative Introduction by David Pescovitz, he notes the decline in print magazines and also the ephemeral nature of Web media creations provides but a "momentary joy...because there is nothing to touch".Hi-Fructose is largely a composite collection of those artistic impulses, strivings, objectives and motivations of some 52 artists as revealed through stark one-on-one interviews, personal explanation of their work, an occasional real or contrived confession given with appropriate artistic flair, at times contemptuous or in affected manner. The variety of interview certainly provides a good mix of artistic temperament, at times apologetic, sincere, evasive or defensive - certainly a spirited discussion is revealed.Artists, like movie stars, are numerous: some well known, some little known and the majority being new comers & wannabees - so too are the graphic representations provided in Hi-Fructose. Some overly cartoonish, ghoulish, poorly decipherable or just not my type.Hi-Fructose covers this type art spectrum thoroughly & I especially enjoyed seeing about 1/3 of the Editors' presentations. Mark Ryden's creations were well chosen whilst Ray Caesar, Craola, Scott Musgrove, Kurt Halsey and Jenny Bird all presented a coherent genre I found most pleasing. Having a round-table group discussion of one's likes or preferences would make for a wonderful session centered about this fine book.finis

I don't know. At first glance, the pictures don't attract me very much. But the case is always after I spend time really looking at the drawings and read the interview I start to like it. Hope I can get into this book as well. I bought the newest volume in bookstore, it's awesome. Definitely feel motivated and inspired.

If only to see Ray Caesar's work and Mark Ryden's work this book is worth it. Although I felt a lot of the artists were so-so. It wasn't as engaging as I had hoped. I looked through it and then passed it on. Later I bought some books featuring the artists I had mentioned.

In my opinion, Hi Fructose tops many other publications of contemporary art. It's diverse, edgy, gritty, and I find loads and loads of inspiration from the images as well as the writing. I love that this was shipped to me in a very timely and quick fashion, and it was in perfect condition. I would recommend this to anyone looking to enjoy and be inspired by uninhibited contemporary artists and stellar descriptive writing.

I received this book about a month ago and have been flipping through it when I have time. I bought one copy of Hi-Fructose and liked it enough to order the collection. The reproductions are beautiful. The articles are interesting and well written but not overly highbrow. I have been looking for a magazine about art that is actually stimulating and makes me want to get into the studio. This is it.

Love the book! And at a great price. I will be a return customer.

Fear not. You have found them. All the best from the early issues that I missed. This is one of my favorite books highlighting the new artists working the gallery scene. The articles are great and the imagery is produced in rich glossy color. Thanks to Hi-Fructose for offering this book to all of us who missed those early issues.

My favorite Magazine in one book! I am looking to buy all editions

I bought this collection of Hi Fructose as I already own the second volume - and as this first collection had a Ray Caesar image on the front, decided to buy it. I have to say, I am a little disappointed; yes it has a good selection of Ray Caesar's work in it - discovered him via Weirdo Noir book and fell in love with his work! - but apart from him, Mark Ryden, Ron English, Greg 'Craola' Simkins, Alex Pardee and Jenny Bird and one or two others, the rest leaves me kind of cold. . ? That is no way to denigrate their work; it just doesn't do anything for me like the above mentioned. I had debated sending it back - but desisted. O.K. - seventeen quid plus postage is a fair bit to pay for a small handful of artist's work, but, well, I guess I'm just a sucker for quality over quantity in this case . . . and I do love Ray Caesar's work!! (Have I mentioned that?!!)Don't let this review put anyone off buying it - we all like different forms of art, and there may well be artist's work contained within these pages that although I don't particularly like, may well appeal to others.I just yearn for the day when an affordable volume of Mr. Caesar's work becomes available in the U.K.! Please?!

A fantastic collection of 'lowbrow' art from a whole bunch of truly talented artists. A real high quality product which you will want to peruse often. I bought the first three books and the third one comes in a nifty box with extra goodies lovingly thrown in.

What a werd and wonderful collectoin of artists. Quality oozes from this book, dynamic layout (double page fold outs) and lots of imagery and a good balance of insightful interviews. If you love books and want to expand your mind with new artists this is the book for you. If you are thinking about it don't just buy it. You won't regret it, I can't wait for the next edition as I bought both volume 1 and 2.

Fabulous! Great drawings on superb quality paper.

Worth every penny. Beautiful magazine, with one of my favourite artists. Love love love it!I purchased other editions as well, you won't be disappointed!