This book addresses 15 years of John Young’s early-career practice comprising of his distinctive Silhouette and Polychrome works. These bodies of work are classified by Young as the first of four distinct phases within his artistic career, with the Silhouette and Polychrome Paintings being followed by his Double Ground Paintings and Abstract Paintings. This monograph provides an invaluable insight into Young’s trajectory as a contemporary artist who has grown to prominence both in Australia and abroad, and into the thematic, material and conceptual development of his practice since 1979.

As an artist whose work is grounded in the study of philosophy and contemporary art theory, this publication includes illuminating essays by art critics Christina Davidson, Graham Coulter-Smith and Graham Forsyth. These essays are followed by 60 pages of full-page plates in colour and black-and-white, and selected writings of John Young including recollections, notes, and propositions for his work.