Perspective

Seeing is Forgetting, The Name of the Thing One Sees - A Life of Contemporary Artist Robert Irwin by esteemed writer Lawrence Weschler, is presented in the first person narrative. However, located within this perspective are a multitude of direct quotes from the subject himself, Robert Irwin. Irwin seems to have a remarkable memory of details and many clear recollections of his life and career—a testament to the same kind of attention to detail that benefited his work.

The author spent many days and hours with Irwin and therefore had an up-close and seemingly pleasant relationship with the artist. Weschler did not rely on Irwin alone to pen the biography. Weschler oftentimes followed a long, direct quote from the verbose artist with another view of the same incident from an associate or friend. However, there was nothing mean-spirited or controversial directed against Irwin in the comments...