Show & tell

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Lawrence Weiner (1943–2021, New York) During his early years as an artist, Weiner made paintings from which he removed the corners and objects from which he cut away squares. In these works, the removal of matter took precedence. Familiarisation with the art and ideas of Sol LeWitt proved to be a turning point for Weiner. The artist’s interest in the external appearance of artworks diminished. Further still, he considers text to be equivalent to art executed in material form and uses language both as a ‘sculptural material’ and as the principal medium for his visual practice. After all, language is ‘the most objective thing’ (the least object-like thing) invented by man, a purely abstract phenomenon that can capture and express an idea. In 1968, Weiner created an exhibition in the form of a booklet with short texts describing artworks that readers could imagine in their minds. 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