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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Picasso and Guernica

Personally i am not a great fan of Picasso. I understand his importance for Modern Art, but somehow he never appealed to me very much. One exception . In 1937 Picasso painted GUERNICA. The first time i saw this extremely large painting was in 1977 when i visited New York with my father. It was breathtaking!

So much to see in this painting. I shows the city of Guernica while it was bombarded by the Condor legion of the Luftwaffe. Pure panic and chaos on every painted part of the painting. This is a painting you must see in reality, because the sheer size is breathtaking already. It was one memory i brought home with me.

About 12 years ago the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag had the studies for Guernica in a special show and even on these much smaller studies you can see the struggle of the painter and the power of the subject.

A few years ago we went to the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid and saw this masterpiece again. The same experience…still breathtaking.

www.ftn-books.com has several titles on Picasso’ Guernica available.

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Jungwook Kim (continued)

A few years ago i was looking for information on this Koresan artist and now…..by chance …. I stumbled upon the information wanted. This is what i can share now:

A graduate of Duksung Women’s University with a major in Oriental Painting, she has displayed her works in solo exhibitions at prestigious venues like Gallery Skape(2015), Gallery Fish(2004), Kumho Museum of Art(1998), as well as a multitude of group exhibitions, including Sejong Museum of Art(2020), Seoul National University Museum(2020), Suwon Museum of Art(2019), Jeongeup Museum(2018), Kumho Musseum of Art(2016), and the National Museum of Contemporary Art(2015).

Her creations have garnered recognition and been collected by prominent institutions such as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul National University Museum of Art, OCI Museum, HOW Art Museum Shanghai (China), and Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art.

With a diverse range of exhibitions and collections, her artistic journey has flourished and captivated the audiences, solidifying her position as a revered artist in the world of Oriental Painting.

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Marthe Wéry ( continued)

Many years in the past, back in 1986, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the most amicable artists I have ever encountered – Marthe Wery. Her very first exhibition was held in the renowned Gemeentemuseum. Years later in 2011, the same museum hosted a retrospective of her work. But it was the 1986 exhibition that left a lasting impression on me – introducing me to a “minimalist” artist whom I had the opportunity to meet in person and whose work I greatly admired. It wasn’t the easiest kind of art to appreciate, but it was the first time I was truly captivated by an artist’s installation that transformed an entire room into a masterpiece. One room featured towering blue panels while the other was lined with bold red ones. We discussed these striking pieces and she even signed the catalogue I purchased. The catalogue itself had a deep green cover, one of the most beautifully designed ones I had ever sold during my time as a bookseller for the Gemeentemuseum. The fold-out pages mirrored the panels within the exhibition, and the print quality was exceptional.

Marthe Wery and Walter Leblanc are two of my most beloved Belgian artists. Belgium has produced countless renowned names in the art world over the last five decades – Cordier, Magritte, Delvaux, Bury, Verheyen, Peirre – and I personally believe that Marthe Wery’s name deserves a spot on that list. She was a highly original artist and a kind woman who created incredibly impressive works of art.

In the past 10 years www.ftn-books.com has collected some nice and important Marthe Wery titles.

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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.

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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.

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Roland Topor (continued)

Approximately 25 years ago, the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag embarked on a production of original Karel Appel lithographs, which were subsequently sold by galerie Vogtschmidt in Amsterdam. Despite being sold, none of these pieces were fully paid for. As a result, after much dispute over payment, my colleague and I decided to intervene and “rescue” whatever was left. During our visit, I came across a Roland Topor drawing amongst the items in stock at galerie Vogtschmidt, which I ended up buying privately through an auction that I organized for Gemeentemuseum employees. This, along with a series of prints, became part of my collection at a fair price, although not as cheap as I had hoped due to other bidders vying for the same items. Looking back after 15 years, the price paid has been forgotten, but the memories of the intense auction and the abundance of desirable pieces for sale remain vivid.

I do regret not bidding on the Henk Peeters set and the light drawing by Roland Topor, but as the saying goes, “You can’t always get what you want.” And as Martin Bril once said, “You miss more than you experience.”

In the Netherlands, many (special) publications were produced due to Topor’s popularity among publishers and curators. As a result, it is still possible to come across splendid publications on a regular basis. However, with the growing popularity of Fluxus each year, it has become increasingly challenging to secure these unique finds.

But do take a moment to peruse my inventory at www.ftn-books.com, where you may find some of the Topor books that I currently have available.