1982. · New York
by Baldessari, John
New York: Peter Blum Edition, 1982.. Portfolio of nine original etchings and one silver gelatin print photograph (images 16 x 20cm printed on 42 x 50cm sheets). The whole enclosed in hinged folding polished wood box (55 x 46 cm), titled in black. Fine. Copy #6 of 35 numbered portfolios (plus ten copies numbered in Roman for special distribution). The etchings combine photo- etching, aquatint, soft ground and sugar lift, and each is numbered and signed in the lower margin. They were printed by Peter Kneubuhler, Zurich. The sequence of images in the portfolio take as their topic a visual "forensic" extrapolation from isolated elements in the enclosed photograph, itself a publicity still from the highly controversial 1948 British film adaptation of J.H. Chase's 1939 novel, NO ORCHIDS FOR MISS BLANDISH. Regarded by many critics as among the worst films of its generation, the film's title was changed to BLACK DICE for a US re-release. Accompanied by a 1980 Penguin paperbound copy of the novel. Substantial shipping charges.
(Inventory #: WRCLIT87971)