The Long Night

Cat. No. 753

The Long Night

Date:
2009
Themes
Abstraction, Body Parts, Fabric Works, Figures, Motherhood & Family, Nature, Objects
Techniques
Digital, Drypoint
Dimensions:
overall: 104 1/4 × 68" (264.8 × 172.7 cm)
Signature:
"LB" right lower margin, stitched in brown thread.
Publisher
Louise Bourgeois
Printer
Harlan & Weaver , Dyenamix
Edition:
Unique
Edition Information:
The collage elements of this work are printed compositions. They are described here and seen in Related Works in the Catalogue below.

The composition above the clock is made up of 2 untitled 2009 drypoints (female and male figures). There are 2 known impressions of the only state of each of figure, including the pair seen here. The other pair are components in the unique fabric collage, "Eternity," seen in Related Works in the Catalogue below. The 2 impressions incorporated in the work seen here have ink additions.

The stars in each of the 12 compositions within the clock are derived from the editioned work, "Les Étoiles," 2009. The stars were enlarged digitally and incorporated in the work seen here, as well as in "You are My Polar Star," "The Long Night II," and "Polar Star," all completed in 2009. See Related Works in the Catalogue below.
Background:
This fabric collage is one of eight unique fabric clock works Bourgeois made, all in 2009, which incorporate various compositions printed on fabric. The other seven are included in Related Works in the Catalogue below.

According to the Louise Bourgeois Studio, "Self Portrait," 2009 is the first such work Bourgeois made (see the eighth work in Related Works in the Catalogue below).

The overall fabric sheet that serves as the support for the work seen here is a table cloth.
Curatorial Remarks:
The 14 impressions incorporated in this fabric collage are printed on individual fabric sheets and stitched onto the overall fabric sheet. The outline of the clock and its hands are stitched in brown thread; the clock's numbers and center point are stitched in red thread.

The overall fabric sheet has light staining or scorching as is commonly found in the old fabrics Bourgeois chose to use as printing surfaces.

This work is not in MoMA’s Collection and could not be catalogued in person.
Description:
Fabric collage, with 13 compositions: 12 digital prints and 2 drypoints (with black ink additions), and stitching
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY

The Long Night

2009

Collage
The Long Night

Related Works in the Catalogue

Les Étoiles
Hours of the Day
Hours of the Day
The Waiting Hours
Self Portrait
Eternity, component no. 14 of 14
You Are My Polar Star
Eternity, component no. 13 of 14
Eternity
Shooting Stars
Self Portrait
Nature Study
Polar Star
The Long Night II
You Are My Polar Star

Related Works in Other Mediums

Untitled
Untitled (Clocks)
Polar Star
Polar Stars
My Day
Hours of the Day