Embracing the Tree

Cat. No. 278/II (fabric)

Embracing the Tree

State/Variant:
State II of II
Date:
2000
Themes
Fabric Works, Figures, Nature
Techniques
Drypoint
Support:
Fabric
Dimensions:
plate: 11 13/16 x 9 15/16" (30 x 25.2 cm); sheet: 17 1/2 x 17 1/4" (44.5 x 43.8 cm)
Signature:
"LB" right lower margin, stitched in red thread.
Publisher
Harlan & Weaver
Printer
Harlan & Weaver
Edition:
6 on fabric; plus an edition of 25 on paper with 7 A.P., 5 P.P., 2 H.C., 1 B.A.T., 1 T.P.
Edition Information:
There are 3 known variant impressions of state II, outside the two editions.

There are variations in the fabrics used in this edition, such as staining and discoloration, as is commonly found in the old fabrics Bourgeois chose to use as printing surfaces. Three varying examples are reproduced in the Evolving Composition Diagram below. The example seen here is the only impression in the fabric edition that is printed in red.
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:
The plate dimensions of this impression could not be documented because this work is not in MoMA's collection and could not be examined in person. The dimensions given are from another impression.

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 selective wiping
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.
© The Easton Foundation/VAGA at ARS, NY

Embracing the Tree

2000

Source

2000

Embracing of the Tree

Source

2000

Embracing the Tree
States
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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