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

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Publisher: unpublished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
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 in the Evolving Composition Diagram and as Related Works in the Catalogue for each plate.
Description:: Photocopy, with pencil and 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:: 347.2011

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1997

1997