TIM MUDDIMAN – THE GEOMETRICAL SWING
ALBANY PUBLISHING
BOOK REVIEW BY AARON BADGLEY
Tim Muddiman has made a name for himself in music. Besides his own solo career, he has played guitar with Gary Numan for many years and most recently he has been with Pop Will Eat Itself. But while he has been making music, he has also developed a strong career as an artist. His new book, The Geometrical Swing is a collection of 50 of his pieces of art from the last three years. In the introduction of the book, Muddiman clearly, and very eloquently, explains the love he has for music and art. And he, in very few words, shares his passion. This book, although a small collection of his art, seems very important and very personal to Muddiman.
Gary Numan wrote the foreword, and refers to himself as a βbarbarian when it comes to artβ. But he is quick to point out Muddimanβs own unique talent and style. This sums up Muddimanβs art. His art is distinctly his own and Numanβs assessment is bang on about Muddimenβs art. And like Numan, I am no art expert and really have a limited knowledge about art, but as the expression goes, βI know what I likeβ and I like Muddimanβs art.
His art would not be out of place as background art for Metropolis. Muddiman includes sketches of the art and one can see the progress from the sketch to the finished art piece. Along with the sketches, there is a little insight into the piece itself. Very short, and to the point, but does set the context for the art piece. It is much like liner notes for an album.
It is very easy to be cynical about a musician also being an artist. But like Joni Mitchell, Paul McCartney, and Bob Dylan, Muddiman has talent in both arenas. The Geometrical Swing is an excellent book that allows a very talented individual to present another form of his artistic ability. It is a coffee table art book, and is well put together and presented very well. It is a huge accomplishment and a great work of art. The end of the book, which features a very artistic photo of the artist and βThe End?β is a suitable and perfect conclusion to the book. I sincerely hope I am able to see more of Muddimanβs art in the future.