Untitled (Study for Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature)

Cat. No. 449, study

Untitled (Study for Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature)

Date:
1997
Themes
Figures, Nature
Techniques
Other Techniques
Support:
Smooth paper
Dimensions:
sheet: 17 x 11" (43.2 x 27.9 cm)
Signature:
"LB / 97" right lower sheet, pencil.
Publisher
unpublished
Edition:
1 known study
Impression:
Not numbered
Background:
According to Bourgeois’s assistant Jerry Gorovoy, topiary work interested Bourgeois because the cutting and healing of the plant makes the tree stronger. He also points out the portfolio's connection to Bourgeois’s sister, Henriette, who had a condition that caused stiffness in her leg. Bourgeois referred to this as, "in effect, a wooden leg."

The editioned state II of this composition was published as a benefit for the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York.
Curatorial Remarks:
The compositions for plates 5, 6, 7, and 8 of the “Topiary” portfolio are related and appear to have shared some of the same source drawings and photocopy studies. Known studies are illustrated below in the Evolving Composition Diagram, and as Related Works in the Catalogue, for each plate.
Description:
Photocopy, with blue ink additions
Artist’s Remarks:
Written on a loose sheet, c. 1990s:
“Topiary
The trainer, the teacher, the carver, the butcher
To reject (cut off) and be moral about it
That is the fun
To nurture and train to full potential (valuable, useful)
I am going to cut (reject) everything in sight because I did not get what I wanted
What
To be loved by 1, 2, 3, 4
c’est la peur […]”
(The Easton Foundation: LB-0050)
MoMA Credit Line:
Gift of the artist
MoMA Accession Number:
350.2011
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY

Untitled, plate 6 of 9, from the portfolio, Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature

1998

Source

1997

Untitled

Source

1997

Untitled
Studies
Untitled (Study for Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature)
States
Untitled, plate 6 of 9, from the portfolio, Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature
Untitled, plate 6 of 9, from the portfolio, Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature

Portfolio

1998

Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature

Related Works in the Catalogue

Untitled, plate 5 of 9, from the portfolio, Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature
Untitled, plate 7 of 9, from the portfolio, Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature
Untitled, plate 8 of 9, from the portfolio, Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature
Henriette
Topiary, plate 20 of 24, from the series, Self Portrait
Untitled (Study for Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature)
Untitled (Study for Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature)
Untitled (Study for Topiary: The Art of Improving Nature)

Related Works in Other Mediums

Topiary III
Topiary
Topiary
You Ask Me Too Much
Henriette