Original Vintage FLUXUS MULTIPLE BEN VAUTIER DESTROY ART MATCH BOOK BOX 1981

Description: "DESTROY ALL ART!" TOTAL ART MATCHBOX (MATCHBOOK) By BEN VAUTIER An Original 'Assisted Readymade' Fluxus Multiple by Ben, Published by Ben and Lightworks, 1982. Artist: Ben Vautier Title: Total Art Matchbook Publisher: Lightworks , Ann Arbor, USA Date: 1964 / 1982 Dimensions: Measures 2" tall by 3" long and about 3/8" wide at the top. Edition: amount unknown but not an open edition Condition: Essentially new-old-stock -- an unused, never affixed / assembled multiple with all matches in place. Notes: Designed to be attached to the cover of Lightworks Magazine issue 14/15, this matchbook multiple was acquired from the publisher many years ago along with a copy of Ben's letter to Lightworks discussing the project. Listing is for matchbook only (I have the complete magazine listed elsewhere). Rare thus. An art multiple comprised of an actual matchbook - complete with matches - printed with handwritten text and self-portrait by Fluxus artist Ben Vautier. Designed to be attached to the cover of Lightworks # 14/15 (November, 1982) this copy is A PRE-PRODUCTION, UNASSEMBLED MULTIPLE (possibly a proof or extra copy meant for personal use? - see note from Ben.*) When attached to the publication's cover, as it is usually found, the self-portrait side of the multiple - the non-striking cover of the matchbook - is hidden from view and subsequently damaged by adhesives. [Following the Duchamp tradition of the Readymade (or, here, the "assisted readymade") the first state of Total Art Match-Box was published by Fluxus in 1964 and included in Flux Year Box 2. In 1981 Ben agreed to let Lightworks use the concept (see letter from Ben to Lightworks) though the title was changed to "Total Art MatchBOOK" to reflect the change in match format, and some of the wording was altered. The first state Fluxus multiple (as a matchbox, not matchbook) has text that reads: “USE THESE MATCHES TO DESTROY ALL ART — MUSEUMS ART LIBRARY’S — READY — MADES POP — ART AND AS I BEN SIGNED EVERYTHING WORK OF ART — BURN — ANYTHING — KEEP LAST MATCH FOR THIS MATCH”] *See Ben's request for "...25 match boxes for myself. Just for cigarettes" Although unlikely that this unused multiple is a result of that request, it may be that extra copies were produced in addition to those sent to Ben. [NOTE: Ben letter and Lightwork 14/15 issue not included in the sale] Biography:Ben Vautier (1935 -)Vautier was born in 1935 in Naples and moved to Nice in 1949 after having lived in various places in Italy, Turkey, Egypt and Switzerland. In 1954 the artist known as Ben opened up a store for used records which in 1959 transformed into a meeting place for people who are eager to exhibit and to explore avant garde art. In this period he writes the first manuscript for the later magazine "Ben Dieu." In 1962, Vautier begins his association with George Maciunas and becomes known as a leading figure of the Fluxus group. His artistic work is based on manifold and humorous equations of art and life. Shipping at $4.95 anywhere USA; expedited and insured shipping available, international bidders welcome.

Price: 39.95 USD

Location: Silver Spring, Maryland

End Time: 2024-08-05T03:53:58.000Z

Shipping Cost: 4.95 USD