For the last four decades, Odd Nerdrum has been, in that sense, a necessary artist-not because he towers at the forefront of world acclaim or because his work engages contemporary issues in distinctly contemporary visual terms.
 
On the contrary, he has been-by his own account and in keeping with his own wish-the odd man out. Most viewers and most art-world professionals have regarded him as simply too talented and too famous to ignore, and yet too contrarian to embrace.
 
In his long rough gown, Nerdrum has stood at the door of art's Temple, so to speak, like a prophet reminding us of our artistic derelictions and sins. This book explores his art and that of his carefully selected students alike.