Cat. No. 755
Polar Star
- Date:
- 2009
- Themes
- Body Parts, Fabric Works, Figures, Nature, Objects
- Techniques
- Digital, Drypoint
- Dimensions:
- overall: 63 x 33 1/2" (160 x 85.1 cm)
- Signature:
- "LB" right lower margin of drypoint, stitched in brown thread; "LB" right lower margin of overall sheet, 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.
Center: "Male," 2009. Drypoint, with blue watercolor additions.
This is 1 of 3 known impressions of the only known state of this composition, and the only known impression of this composition on fabric.
The stars in each of the 3 compositions above the clock, and in each of the 12 compositions that surround "Male," 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," and "The Long Night II" 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 seventh work in Related Works in the Catalogue below). - Curatorial Remarks:
- The 16 compositions incorporated in this fabric collage are printed on individual fabric sheets and stitched onto the overall fabric sheet.
The clock's numbers were digitally printed on fabric by Dyenamix, New York, and stitched onto the overall sheet.
The drypoint and the overall fabric sheet have 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 16 compositions: 15 digital prints and 1 drypoint (with watercolor additions), and stitching
2009
Polar Star
2009
2009
<i>Polar Star</i>
2009
Related Works in the Catalogue
The Long Night
2009
<i>The Long Night</i>
2009
Les Étoiles
Only state
2009
<i>Les Étoiles</i>
2009
Hours of the Day
2006
<i>Hours of the Day</i>
2006
Hours of the Day
2006
<i>Hours of the Day</i>
2006
The Waiting Hours
2009
<i>The Waiting Hours</i>
2009
Self Portrait
2009
<i>Self Portrait</i>
2009
Male
Only state, variant
2009
<i>Male</i>
2009
You Are My Polar Star
Only state, variant
2009
<i>You Are My Polar Star</i>
2009
Eternity
2009
<i>Eternity</i>
2009
Shooting Stars
Only state
1989
<i>Shooting Stars</i>
1989
Self Portrait
2009
<i>Self Portrait</i>
2009
Nature Study
2009
<i>Nature Study</i>
2009
The Long Night II
2009
<i>The Long Night II</i>
2009
You Are My Polar Star
Only state
2009
<i>You Are My Polar Star</i>
2009
Related Works in Other Mediums
Untitled
2006
Untitled
2006
Medium: Fabric collage
Dimensions: sheet: 19 x 24" (48.3 x 61 cm)
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY
Untitled (Clocks)
1944
Untitled (Clocks)
1944
Medium: Metal and foil paper over wood
Dimensions: overall: 11 1/2 x 8" (29.2 x 20.3 cm)
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY
Polar Star
2008
Polar Star
2008
Medium: Suite of 9 fabric works
Dimensions: sheet (each): 15 3/4 x 13" (40 x 33 cm)
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY
Polar Stars
2007
Polar Stars
2007
Medium: Series of 5 drawings with watercolor and pencil on paper
Dimensions: sheet (each): 11 1/2 x 7 1/4" (29.2 x 18.4 cm)
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY
My Day
2006
My Day
2006
Medium: Cardboard, pencil, and stitching on fabric
Dimensions: sheet: 64 3/4 × 43 1/4" (164.5 × 109.9 cm)
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY
Hours of the Day
2006
Hours of the Day
2006
Medium: Series of 12 drawings stitched on fabric
Dimensions: sheet (each): 9 1/2 × 8" (24.1 × 20.3 cm)
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY