Daniel Olson | 12!:Factorial 12

Daniel Olson

12!:Factorial 12

Toronto, Canada: Self-published, 1997

Each somewhat unique, dimensions vary. 

Edition size unknown

The twelve tones of the western chromatic scale (A thru G, with 5 flats/sharps) are represented by children's coloured toy xylophone keys, housed in a foam-lined signed and dated cigar box. A text on the inner lid explains that the work can produce 479,001,600 different twelve-note melodies (octave and rhythmic variations would add endless variation). The work functions nicely as a desk-top multiple or performance sound piece.

I included the work in an exhibition I curated for Mercer Union called Infinity Etc., about twenty years ago. Olson performed the work during the opening. 

8 works of Lawrence Weiner

Lawrence Weiner

8 works of Lawrence Weiner

Mönchengladbach, Germany: Städtisches Museum, 1973

20.0 x 16.0 x 2.5 cm. 

Edition of 330 numbered copies

The 23rd Städtisches Museum boxed catalogue was produced to accompany an exhibition of Lawrence Weiner’s work which took place in April of 1973. It consists of a grey-brown cardboard box with a printed lid that contains a folded leaflet, a book and a poster. 

The 40 page book was published a year prior, in conjunction with Weiner's participation in 1972's fifth instalment of Documenta, helmed by Harald Szeeman. Titled A Primer, it was published in an edition of 2000 copies (see below). As one of Weiner’s earliest publications, it sells for just under the price of the complete box (around $200). 

The leaflet features a text by curator Johannes Cladders, and the text-based poster folds out to 78 x 60 cm.

Takako Saito | Grinder Chess

Takako Saito

Grinder Chess

New York City, USA: ReFlux, nd

17 x 17 x 7.2 cm.

Edition of 19 signed and numbered copies

I can't think of another artist who has made as many great chess board variations as Takako Saito. Her disrupted sets include games in which you identify your pieces by scent, taste, weight and sound, as well as Book Chess (1980), Nut & Bolt Chess (1964) and even wearable chess sets. 

Grinder Chess isn't as conceptually strong as some of the others, but its formally great - drill bits reimagined as soldiers. The piece may be a pun on the chess term "grinder", which refers to a player with an unassuming style. 

The work is designed by George Maciunas, who predatory drawing is below. 

Jon Sasaki

Happy Birthday to Jon Sasaki!

Hans Haacke | The Chocolate Master

Hans Haacke

The Chocolate Master / Der Pralinenmeister

Toronto, Canada: Art Metropole, 1982

[28] pp., 26.7 x 20.2 x 0.4 cm., staple-bound

Edition size unknown

An investigation into the business activities of Peter Ludwig, his chocolate empire and the family's art collecting activities. Haacke examines Ludwig's use of low-wage immigrant labour, tax breaks and interest-free loans to run his business and pointed philanthropy to drive up the value of his art collection. Reportedly, at the peak of his activities, Ludwig was purchasing on average an artwork a day. Over thirty European museums are named after him. Text in German and English.

The Art Metropole version is the second edition, following one published by Paul Maenz the year prior. 

Haacke celebrates his 89th birthday today. 

Joel Fisher | Double Camouflage

Joel Fisher

Double Camouflage

Mansfield, USA: Self-published, c1970

[142] pp., 29 x 23 cm., softcover

Edition of 100 numbered copies

An Artists' Book published in conjunction with the exhibition of the same name, held in Mansfield Ohio, from October 3rd to 25th, 1970. 

The assemblage style publication features text-based works, rubber stamp headings and conceptual projects. In one, Fisher writes "I am a former painter interested in expanding the boundaries of art, and ask for assistance in a significant experiment.” The call for participants continues:  “Do not open any mail you receive during the week of August 10-17 1969, but store it unopened in a clear plastic box.” He received no favourable replies. Curator Marcia Tucker replied on Whitney Museum letterhead that she could not take part, but would file the request under the heading 'Unclassifiable Curious Documents'.

Cathy Lane & Angus Carlyle | In the Field:The Art of Field Recording

Cathy Lane & Angus Carlyle

In the Field:The Art of Field Recording 

Devon, UK: Uniformbooks, 2013

240 pp., 24 cm., softcover

Edition size unknown 

Cathy Lane and Angus Carlyle are composers and sound artists, and together co-direct the department of Creative Research in Sound Arts Practice (CRiSAP) at the University of the Arts London. Their first book together is a collection of interviews with sound artists who employ field recordings in their work.