Il Corso del Coltello / The Course of the Knife. Claes Oldenburg, Coosje van Bruggen, Frank Gehry
New York: Rizzoli, 1987. 1st US Edition. Quarto, publisher's black paper-covered boards, spine stamped in white, original illustrated dust jacket.
Monograph on Swedish-born American Pop Art sculptor Claes Oldenburg’s monumental performance piece staged at the Venice Biennale in 1986, in collaboration with his wife Coosje van Bruggen (an art historian who often worked with him on his public commissions) and architect Frank O. Gehry. Edited by Italian art critic Germano Celant who suggested the piece. The three-day spectacle featured a cast of humorously and intricately involved characters centering around a giant Swiss Army knife equipped with oars, the centerpiece prop created by Oldenburg which was set afloat in front the Arsenal. While the piece was only performed three times, the Knife Ship and other props continue to travel to museums throughout the US and Europe. This catalog comprises color and black-and-white sketches, drawings, photos, costumes, and text by all contributors on the project including the preliminary script, reproductions of Bruggen’s journals, and final stage directions; with bibliography. Originally published in Italy in 1986. Spine-ends lightly banged; unclipped dust jacket with light soiling, toning, and edgewear. Very good. Item #12987
$65.00