Embracing the Tree

Cat. No. 278/II, variant 2

Embracing the Tree

State/Variant:
State II of II, variant
Date:
2000
Themes
Figures, Nature
Techniques
Drypoint
Support:
Smooth, wove paper
Dimensions:
plate: 11 15/16 x 9 15/16" (30.3 x 25.2 cm); sheet: 15 3/8 x 11 1/4" (39 x 28.5 cm)
Signature:
Not signed
Publisher
unpublished
Printer
Harlan & Weaver
Edition:
3 known variant impressions of state II, outside the editions on paper and fabric
Impression:
Not numbered
Background:
According to Bourgeois’s assistant, Jerry Gorovoy, the subject of this composition came from a ritual instigated by the artist’s friend, Paulo Herkenhoff, a Brazilian curator and critic, in the late 1990s. In celebration of Easter, Herkenhoff, Gorovoy, and Bourgeois went into her backyard on Good Friday and each kissed the ground. After a few years, it was difficult for the artist to get down to the ground so they modified the ritual and began to embrace a tree instead.
Curatorial Remarks:
In July 2000, "Interview," also known as "Andy Warhol’s Interview," commissioned seven artists to create work to be reproduced in the October 2000 issue of the magazine. The resulting portfolio, “Stop and Smell the Roses,” is described in the issue as “a reminder that awareness of life’s incredibleness makes each day a better one.” Bourgeois contributed "Embracing the Tree" state II, variant 3 seen in the Evolving Composition Diagram below. Cecily Brown, Pat Steir, Enzo Cucchi, Yoshitomo Nara, and the collaborative duo Tim Noble and Sue Webster also contributed work to the portfolio.
Description:
Drypoint, with red and blue watercolor additions
Inscription:
"May 1 2000. after changes to the hair." upper center margin, pencil, unknown hand.
State Changes and Additions:
Changes from state I in drypoint: tree branches extended; hair extended; shoes shaded; hands further articulated; reinforced overall.
Changes from state I by burnishing: hair below left ear removed; shape of left shoe altered.
MoMA Credit Line:
Gift of the artist
MoMA Accession Number:
960.2008
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY

Embracing the Tree

2000

Source

2000

Embracing of the Tree

Source

2000

Embracing the Tree
States
Embracing the Tree
Embracing the Tree
Embracing the Tree
Embracing the Tree
Embracing the Tree
Embracing the Tree
Embracing the Tree
Embracing the Tree

Related Works in the Catalogue

Embracing the Tree II
Untitled (Three Trees), from the editioned series of portfolios, Les Arbres (1-6)
Untitled (Wide Tree)
Untitled, plate 4 of 9, from the portfolio, Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature

Related Works in Other Mediums

Embracing the Tree