One fucking move

Info

A fragmented view of the world of this painter/artist in which narcissism and every day activities and objects assume complementary roles. Combining photographs (of the artist at home and the rest of the world), drawings, notebook entries and collages, the book functions as a kind of non-conclusive diary. Includes ten questions to the artist by Esther Schipper. The first is “Why don’t you have a telephone?.” The last is: “Do you believe in art?.”. Ref.1

Kurt Ryslavy (1961) Austrian-born, Brussels-based Kurt Ryslavy describes himself as a conceptual artist, poet and wine merchant. The latter job in particular, from which he earns his living, occupies an important place in his practice. He thematises his activities as a wine merchant in his work. For instance, on his day off, Sunday, he makes ‘factures décoratives’ [decorative invoices] using thick layers of paint and deliberately expressionistic handwriting. Addressed to his customers, they include his VAT number, bank account details and the number and type of bottles of wine delivered.
The work and thinking of Ryslavy, who is both an artist and a wine merchant, has for years played out on the border between art, the object, and the market where this art is traded and made the subject of capitalism. With great precision and pointed humour, Ryslavy knows to challenge this theme time and time again. Ref.2

Imschoot Uitgevers In 1987 publishing house Imschoot (Ghent- Belgium) started an exceptional series of artists’ books made by international artists (Giovanni Anselmo, Sol LeWitt, John Baldessari, Lawrence Weiner, Hanne Darboven, Robert Barry, Christian Boltanski, Dan Graham, a.o.). Ref.3
In addition to the regular softcover edition (500 to 1000 copies), a deluxe hardcover edition was also issued in a very limited edition, numbered and signed by the artists.
The publishing house ceased its activities in 2006.

References

• Ref.1: Imschoot, uitgevers Catalogue 1993-1994, Other publications, published on demand, and/or co-produced with galleries, museums, foundations or other institutions.
• Ref.2: smak.be
• Ref.3 Johan Pas (Een essay door -), Het kunstenaarsboek in België: de voorzet tot een geschiedenis, Kunstenpunt