Jack Ginsberg Centre for the Book Arts

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Letter to Sumbandila
Lead the Way Again

Item date(s): 2021

Marcus Neustetter - (book artist)

Pages: unpaged
Size: 60mm
Technique: Watercolour and ink
Inscription: Signed by the artist

Place publication: Johannesburg, RSA
Publisher: The artist

Additional notes:
The book which is held closed by a red elastic band, is housed in an indent in a larger black base measuring 113mm square. The book has a small 10mm square hold cut through the book in which is housed a miniature book which has become separated into individual pages owing to the nature of the material and the binding.

The Mixed Reality Workshop (TMRW)

In February 2022 Marcus Neustetter will be sending a letter in the form of an artwork to the International Space Station (ISS) with the Moon Gallery, with another being sent to the Moon in 2024. The letter is addressed to the Sumbandila Satellite, a damaged South African micro earth observation satellite which was launched in 2009. Neustetter has been documenting and communicating with Sumbandila since 2010. This letter is a final gesture of hope to connect to this defunct lonely orbiting ambassador. As the name Sumbandila means "lead the way” in Venda language, the letter asks her to Lead The Way Again. With Aspire Art Auctions, a variable edition of the letter-artwork in a unique artist's book and a triptyque of unique drawings are available. Proceeds from the sale will assist in the letter-artwork being sent to the Moon.

There are two additional components: Lead the Way Again, a solo exhibition at TMRW Gallery (6 November – 19 December 2021) an immersive installation and Seeking Dialogue with a Satellite (2010 – 2021), with TMRW Gallery in the Atrium, a selection of drawings and digital print artworks.

The artist's book is accompanied by three watercolour and ink wash drawings, 505 x 500mm which are catalogued separately.

Ref: GB/30501