Zero Mass: The Art of Eric Orr.

Eric Orr, James Lee Byars, Thomas McEvilley

Zero Mass: The art of Eric Orr

Lund, Sweden: Propexus, 1990

320 pp., 28 x 29.5 x 8.5 cm., hardcover

Edition of 1000

One of the more unusual books in my collection, this monograph/artist book hybrid on/by Eric Orr, is housed in a styrofoam lined cardboard box, alongside a handmade multiple by James Lee Byars. The project was conceived when Orr and Byars traveled to Egypt with critic Thomas McEvilley, in early 1989. 

Published on the occasion of Orr's exhibition at Anders Tornberg Gallery in Lund from October 27th to November 21st, 1990, the book is designed by Gert Fors, John Melin, and Anders Tornberg, 

The book is bound in an anodized blue steel cover, and features extensive images and text, many written collaboratively between Orr and Byars. 

There are many physical interventions in the volume, including pages torn by the artists, inserted handmade paper  by Yoshio Ikezaki made using kozo fibers and powdered mummy's skull, and "The Matter of O” where Orr has stamped a ring of his own blood in the style of a coffee cup stain.

The book is accompanied by a handmade ball of fired clay by James Lee Byars, titled "The Sphere of Generosity.”

Almost thirty-five years old, the book is still available for only $125. I can’t imagine it cost much less to produce. Plus, I suspect the Byars multiple without the book would sell for more than that. Strongly recommended. Get your copy at Printed Matter, here.