In 1926 Max Ernst published a portfolio of prints entitled 'Histoire Naturelle’ (34 collotypes published by J. Bucher, with an introduction by Hans Arp) which were based on experiments using the technique of frottage (or rubbing) and depict a kind of mysterious, natural world of strange and fantastic landscapes, rocks, or creatures emerge from experimental procedures but give the precision of scientific illustrations.
Arnaud Desjardin purchased one of these very rare portfolios, drawn to it by the fact that it was damaged by a purple fungus which had been eating away at the paper. He saw a strange beauty given by the mould, adding to the original textures in true, surrealist style. He set about creating a 'new' work which is ‘Mouldy Modern’, featuring both the original Ernst plates and mould- in equal measure- to magical effect!
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Arnaud Desjardin / The Everyday Press
Mouldy Modern 2014
Portfolio, 34 sheets, 2 folded sheet introduction
Sheet size: 50 (h) × 32.4 (w) cm
Portfolio size: 51.7 (h) × 34.5 (w) × 1.5 (d) cm
Box size: 53 (h) × 35 (w) × 2 (d) cm
Edition 34, numbered and signed (+14 APs)
Price on request
Arnaud Desjardin purchased one of these very rare portfolios, drawn to it by the fact that it was damaged by a purple fungus which had been eating away at the paper. He saw a strange beauty given by the mould, adding to the original textures in true, surrealist style. He set about creating a 'new' work which is ‘Mouldy Modern’, featuring both the original Ernst plates and mould- in equal measure- to magical effect!
__
Arnaud Desjardin / The Everyday Press
Mouldy Modern 2014
Portfolio, 34 sheets, 2 folded sheet introduction
Sheet size: 50 (h) × 32.4 (w) cm
Portfolio size: 51.7 (h) × 34.5 (w) × 1.5 (d) cm
Box size: 53 (h) × 35 (w) × 2 (d) cm
Edition 34, numbered and signed (+14 APs)
Price on request