Category: artists studios

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Niki de Saint Phalle (continued)

Last week, I searched through a Niki de Saint Phalle book and to my astonishment, I stumbled upon these sheets that I had purchased several years ago. With a simple rub, the intricate figure transfers onto the underlying piece, similar to that of rubbing letters. At the time of purchase, I had forgotten all about these hidden gems. However, upon closer examination, I couldn’t help but notice their exceptional quality, making them an absolute must-have for avid Niki de Saint Phalle collectors. These mint-condition sheets are now available for purchase on my platform, with only 5 left in stock. To make them even more desirable, I am offering a special price of USD 15.00 per sheet, which includes worldwide shipping. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add these rare collectibles to your collection.

Last week i ruffled through and looked into a Niki de Saint Phalle book and surprise!….found these sheets that i had bought several years. ago. You Rub over it and the figure is transferred to the underlying piece ( like rubbing letters)  I totally had forgotten about them, but looking at them closely again I noticed that these were still very special and for Niki de Saint Phalle collectors true collectables.

These rubbing sheets are now available at www.ftn-books.com

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Francis Bacon (continued)

In my opinion, Francis Bacon stands out as the artist whose exhibitions have been accompanied by the most captivating and splendidly curated catalogues. From oversized volumes with hundreds of pages to impeccable print quality, these catalogues truly do justice to Bacon’s masterpieces, often including multiple fold-out pages to showcase his iconic Triptychs with the utmost precision, just as one would experience in a prestigious museum

I have followed Bacon’s work closely over the years, and in 2001, I was particularly intrigued by the Gemeentemuseum’s ambitious exhibition on the artist, which also happened to be their most expensive and logistically challenging one to date. The plan was to have the catalogue printed in Singapore, but due to a previous commitment to the former museum director, the decision was made to entrust a Dutch publisher with the task. The initial print run was based on an estimate of the expected number of visitors, which unfortunately turned out to be significantly underestimated. Thanks to Bacon’s mesmerizing artworks, the catalogue proved to be a commercial triumph, with three editions being published and close to 8,000 copies sold in total. This success not only brought in considerable profit, but more importantly, it solidified Bacon’s status as one of the greatest modern artists of the 20th century.

This exhibition was also one of the last opportunities for art enthusiasts to view a large selection of Bacon’s works, including numerous Triptychs, all in one place. The Gemeentemuseum was fortunate enough to secure loans from both the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen and the estate of Francis Bacon, allowing for the display of a truly comprehensive collection of his paintings. It was during this exhibition that the masterpiece PARALYTIC CHILD WALKING ON ALL FOURS, acquired in the sixties, proved to be a valuable addition to the Gemeentemuseum’s impressive catalogue. In fact, the JAARBOEK even features a study by Josephus Jitta dedicated to this thought-provoking work.

www.ftn-books.com has many Francis Bacon related items available.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Anni Albers (1899-1994)

In the world of art, Anni Albers forged her own unique path, always overshadowed by her husband, Josef Albers. Upon first glance, her works exude an enigmatic complexity far beyond that of her husband’s. While Josef’s art centers on squares and rectangles, Anni delves into more intricate and elaborate patterns reminiscent of fabric, expertly woven and knitted with exceptional balance and symmetry. It’s no surprise that Anni Albers stands as one of the most prominent textile artists of the 20th century. Although the Josef Albers Museum in Bottrop displays some noteworthy pieces, the majority of her oeuvre can be found in the USA, where she garnered a dedicated following. www.ftn-books.com houses an impressive collection of titles on both Anni and Josef Albers, but for this instance, the focus will be solely on Anni Albers – for she deserves recognition as the true pioneer of her craft.

www.ftn-books.com has several Anni Albers items now available.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Victor Vasarely (1906-1997)

It was the early 70s when I stumbled upon a small art dealer in the bustling Hoogstraat of The Hague. There, in the window display, I spotted two silk-screen prints by none other than Vasarely himself. At first glance, I was in awe of their beauty, but the fact that they were part of a limited edition of 100 numbered and signed copies made me lose interest. You see, back then, I had never heard of art being published in such a manner. Nowadays, however, it has become a common practice. Artists now make a living off of these exclusive editions and individuals have the opportunity to acquire an original piece of art at an affordable price. Looking back, I regret not purchasing those prints at the time, but as the saying goes, “time flies and memories fade.”

Over the next three decades, Vasarely’s works seemed to have faded from the public eye. But in present times, his works have resurfaced and are highly sought after, rightfully so. Many consider him to be one of the leading artists of the Geometric Abstract art and Optical art movements. His unique perspective and approach to Modern Art has resulted in numerous beautiful and impressive works that can now be found in the most prestigious museums around the globe.

If you ever find yourself in Budapest, I highly recommend paying a visit to the Vasarely Museum located on the outskirts of the city (just a half-hour tram ride away). While it may not be your typical modern-day museum, the collection of Vasarely’s works housed within its walls is nothing short of fantastic. It’s a true feast for the eyes, featuring some of the best OP ART pieces you will ever see gathered in one place. Fun fact: you may even come across one of the Kriwin catalogues on display, as shown below.

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, allow me to share a little secret with you. The Vasarely catalogue published by the Stedelijk Museum features an original relief print in black and white on the back cover (shown above). Now, that’s certainly something to marvel at.

www.ftn-books.com has several Vasarely titles available.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Posted on by — Leave a comment

DYLABY (continued)

DYLABY is short for Dynamisch Labyrint, an exhibition held in 1962 at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. It was a convergence of modern art, featuring some of the most iconic names in the art world: Tinguely, Niki de Saint Phalle, Robert Rauschenberg, and Martial Raysse. Despite being advertised as “chaos,” a closer examination of the exhibition’s catalogue reveals a well-planned and deliberate event. Though over fifty years have passed since its inception, the catalogue still holds significance as a historical document, both for the event that was DYLABY and for its own design. It provides a complete insider’s glimpse into the exhibition.

Additionally, the series of photographs by Ed van der Elsken featured in the catalogue are some of his best work. This catalogue, along with its accompanying separate exhibition plan, is a prized possession for art enthusiasts and can be found on www.ftn-books.com.

Artist and author names: Robert Rauschenberg, Raysse, Niki de Saint Phalle, Daniel Spoerri, Jean Tinguely, Per Olaf Ultvedt Title: DYLABY (Dynamisch Labyrint) Publisher: Stedelijk Museum, 1962 Number of pages: 24 pages plus 4-page cover/foldout and separate exhibition plan Text/Language: Dutch and English Measurements: 10.2 x 7.5 inches Condition: Near mint This DYLABY catalogue is one of the top three most sought-after and coveted Stedelijk Museum catalogues. It also includes the separate exhibition plan, making it even more special. The catalogue’s photographs were taken by Ed van der Elsken, further adding to its value. It is currently on display in the permanent exhibition at the Tinguely Museum, noted as catalog number 314.

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Bridget Riley (continued)

A captivating exhibition featuring the enigmatic paintings of Bridget Riley is currently on display at the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag. The large, hypnotic canvasses showcase intricate waves of vibrant color patterns that draw the viewer in. Riley’s art is one that requires time and exposure to truly appreciate. It was in the early sixties when her art career took flight, heavily influenced by renowned artist Vasarely. In no time, she emerged as one of the leaders of the op-art movement, and in 1965 she had her first major exhibition at the MOMA in New York. She was also prominently featured in the prestigious RESPONSIVE EYE exhibition. In the years since, she has honed her craft and developed a highly distinct style, diverging from traditional op-art techniques. Today, her name evokes immediate recognition in art circles. The Gemeentemuseum Den Haag has a special connection with Riley, having hosted an impressive exhibition of her works a decade ago. An exclusive leperello was published in conjunction with the event and is still available at www.ftn-books.com.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Jacques de Loustal (continued)

Since the early 1980s, I have been an avid admirer of the French comic book artist Jacques de Loustal, widely known as Loustal. He pioneered a unique form of comic book art, utilizing illustrations to convey complete scenes or stories within a single frame. With his masterful illustrations, he invites readers to use their imagination and immerse themselves in his intricate storytelling. Today, his books are published and appreciated worldwide. In the Netherlands, his works are primarily released by Oog & Blik, while in his home country of France, his books and prints were mainly published during his early career. One of his most notable works is WHAT HE EXPECTED OF HER, offering an adult perspective on marriage and relationships. As a highly recommended title, this captivating piece showcases the brilliance of this artist and can be purchased at www.ftn-books.com.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Edward Kienholz – The beanery (1927-1994)

Crafted by a mortal, Edward Kienholz (1927–1994), The Beanery, a 1965 enigma of art, holds its roots in Kienholz’s regular waterhole, The Original Beanery on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles. It took the visionary artist six months to manifest his local bar’s essence in this masterpiece. The installation’s execution is characterized by its life-size components, from the figures, modeled after Kienholz’s acquaintances and comrades, to the bar, beer and liquor bottles, ashtrays, cash register, telephone book, and jukebox. Even the photographs adorning the walls are replicas of those at The Original Beanery.

A surprising detail in the artwork is Kienholz’s decision to represent each patron of the bar with a clock for a face, a nod to his fascination with time. The only exception is the bartender, a replica of Barney, the original bar-owner, who retains a human face. Sound, scent, and sight come together seamlessly, creating a sensory experience that visitors are invited to immerse themselves into. The unmistakable aroma of a typical bar is yet another signature of Kienholz’s genius work. To attain the desired scent, the artist concocted a special recipe, blending beer, rancid fat, urine, mothballs, and cigarette ash. The restoration team at the Stedelijk Museum recreated this scent paste multiple times, using ammoniac instead of urine. To reinforce the essence of mortality and transience, the installation is coated with a synthetic resin, enhanced by the brown color scheme signifying aging and decay.

As a time capsule, The Beanery encapsulates the attitudes and events of the era. The sign at the entrance, “faggots stay out,” exemplifies the bigotry present in American society at the time. Meanwhile, the newspaper dispenser by the door displays a headline from 1964, reflecting the United States’ impending war with Vietnam. The inspiration for The Beanery struck Kienholz in 1958, but he only began work on August 28, 1964, after reading the headline “Children Kill Children in Vietnam Riots” during a visit to the real bar. The jarring juxtaposition between the “real time” represented by the newspaper and the “surreal time” of the bar’s atmosphere is a powerful commentary on the passing of time in relation to societal issues.

www.ftn-books.com has the Stedelijk Museum publication on Kienholz available.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Ko Verzuu (continued)

Renowned designer Ko Verzuu (1901-1971) was a man of technical origins, which was evident in his intricate and masterfully crafted wooden toy designs for ADO between 1925-1962. Produced in the workshops at Berg and Bosch hospital, his toys were heavily influenced by the “de Stijl” movement promoted by Gerrit Rietveld during that time. The use of primary colors, clean lines, and simplicity were notable characteristics that could be seen in the ADO toys, such as the elegant wooden bank depicted above – a perfect representation of Verzuu’s eclectic style.

Designed with playability and practicality in mind, Verzuu tested his creations on his 11 children to ensure they were the finest wooden toys around. This level of dedication and attention to detail can also be seen in the limited edition BESTELDIENST bank featured in this blog. Only 250 copies were made, each with a certificate of authenticity, making it a prestigious and highly sought-after collectible. The project was a testament to ADO’s expertise and history in producing unparalleled wooden toys, which they showcased in a “prestige” project over 25 years ago.

This magnificent piece was meticulously handmade and painted, with each numbered and signed by the artist. A yellow edition consisting of only 50 copies was specially made for the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag, while the blue and yellow version shown here was made in an edition of 250 copies. Unfortunately, the production of all ADO school furniture and other products came to a halt 12 years ago, effectively putting an end to future ADO projects. Fortunately, FTN was able to acquire the remaining stock of these exquisite toys, including the banks, beetles (which will be discussed in a future blog), and the BESTELDIENST. These last copies, complete with an original ADO box, certificate, and in mint condition, can now only be found at www.ftn-books.com. Don’t miss the opportunity to add these highly collectible pieces to your collection at a reasonable price before they’re gone for good.

www.ftn-books.com has some highly collevctable Verzuu designs available.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960-1988)

Andy Warhol’s rise to fame began in 1960, and it was during this time that Basquiat spent his formative years in Brooklyn. By the time he was 24 years old, he had become known as a “Brother in Art” to the illustrious Warhol himself.

If you have had the opportunity to attend a Basquiat exhibition, it is undeniable that his paintings leave a lasting impression. The scale, force, and distinct style are all distinctive characteristics of Basquiat’s work. Some may argue that his success led to his demise as a person, but his art continues to captivate. It could even be said that his untimely death was a blessing, as his limited output over a decade remains consistently impressive. Each piece is original in appearance, with its own language and technique, making it a coveted addition to any prestigious Modern Art collection (although only a select few can afford the high price).

I had the privilege of attending the Basquiat exhibition at the Beyeler Museum in Basel about six years ago, and I was utterly mesmerized. The Beyeler may be a small museum in Europe, but its collection is nothing short of breathtaking. I spent at least three separate occasions admiring all the paintings before finally leaving the museum. If someone were to ask me what my favorite exhibition of the last decade was, without a doubt, this would be it. It is a rare opportunity to witness so many of Basquiat’s greatest works all in one place. If you ever have the chance to attend a Basquiat exhibition, do not hesitate to go out of your way to see it, as these paintings are truly phenomenal.

For those interested, I have some exquisite Basquiat items available on my website www.ftn-books.com.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA