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Writing on the Body

Item date(s): 1999

Charles Hobson


Edition: #6/45


Place publication: San Francisco, CA
Publisher: Pacific Editions
Exhibition 2017

Additional notes:
Artist's modified accordion book with 8 hand-coloured photogravure etchings by Charles Hobson. Extracts from the writings by Degas. Slipcase with pen attached.

Illustrated on page 43 of Why I Love Books, The Artworks of Charles Hobson.

Reference note:
Hobson's website states the following about the book: "WRITING ON THE BODY was made in a limited edition of forty-five copies in the summer and fall of 1999 with eight hand-colored photogravure etchings made from mixed media figure drawings by Charles Hobson combined with fragments of Degas's handwriting. Kay Bradner made the plates for the photogravures and editioned the etchings with Charles Hobson who hand colored the etchings with pastel. The text has been hand set and printed by Jack W. Stauffacher using 12 point Meridien on BFK Rives at The Greenwood Press, San Francisco. John DeMerritt bound the book. The title of the book is displayed on the spine as an actual writing pen.

WRITING ON THE BODY has been created in homage to Edgar Degas and the lessons he set down about how to draw the human figure. The images used in the book are figure drawings taken from life drawings by Charles Hobson done over an eight year period at a regular weekly studio session. He says: 'A year or so ago I looked through several years of sketches and was reminded time and time again how I was relying on the approaches and attitudes that had seeped into me though my attachment to Degas's work and methods'."

Exhibition notes:
Exhibited at Booknesses: Investigating the Body. Emandulo, Chris Diedericks and Charles Hobson .

Gallery of the SARChI Research Chair in South African Art and Visual Culture, University of Johannesburg

23 to 30 March 2017

Ref: GB/2965























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