Bricklayer of the Soul

Bricklayer of the Soul records the reflections of those who have witnessed first-hand Irish-American abstract painter Sean Scully’s rise to international prominence. Born in Dublin in 1945, Scully has been described by the legendary art critic Arthur Danto as “belong[ing] on the shortest of short lists of the major painters of our time.” This unique book captures an astonishing range of voices and visions, featuring insights from his friend Bono to the celebrated novelist Colm Toibín, from the artist’s wife to five-year old son, Oisin. Anecdotes as brief as a sentence to compressed essays of intimacy and eloquence are presented alongside a career-spanning selection of paintings, drawings, photographs and pastels. This extraordinary volume, conceived in celebration of the artist’s 70th birthday, is edited and introduced by the poet and critic Kelly Grovier.