Various Small Fires - Signed

Los Angeles: Anderson, Ritchie and Simon. 1970. Second edition. Various Small Fires and Milk. Offset printed with 15 photographic reproductions in duotone, 1 in black and white. 18 x 14 cm. Original wraps in glassine. Second edition, one of 3000 copies. This example signed by Ruscha on front endpaper in ink. In very fine condition, with slightly yellowed and nicked glassine cover and the tiniest nick to the lower right corner front cover, but otherwise a crisp and fine copy.  Parr / Badger, v2, 140; Open Book 198-199.

A seminal artists’ book and conceptual exercise, Various Small Fires compiles fifteen sepia toned black-and-white images of small flames emitted by stoves, cigarettes, matches, etc. followed by a tall glass of milk to soothe the heartburn.

Credited with reinventing the artist's book, throughout the 1960s and 70s, Ruscha produced sixteen conceptual books of photographs, focused on the symbols of American life and consumer culture. By turning away from the craftsmanship and luxury status that typified the livre d'artiste in favor of the artistic idea or concept, expressed simply and in editions that were unsigned (the present copies were signed outside of the edition) and inexpensively printed, Ruscha opened the genre to the possibilities of mass-production and distribution. These books proved to be highly influential, inspiring many artists to create their own responses, including Bruce Nauman, who for his 1968 Burning Small Fires burned a copy of Ruscha's Various Small Fires and Milk and photographed the process! (18479)

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Art

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Art & Design

• Sold