Bruno Munari
(1907-1998)
"Portfolio of 10 Xerographs," 1966
The complete set of 10 xerographs on copier paper tipped to gray wove paper support sheets blindstamped Canson, as issued
Each image signed, dated and inscribed in ink along the lower edge: original xerograph Munari N.Y. 66; the ten works together in the original gray Canson paper folder with the printed name of the artist, title and date, recto
Image/Sheet: 11" H x 8.5" W (or opposite); Gray support sheets: 19.75" H x 12.75" W (or opposite)
Provenance: Howard Wise Gallery, New York, NY
David Wise and Audry Taylor, Los Angeles, CA, by descent from the above

Notes: In a book entitled "Original Xerographies," first published in 1977 by Zanichelli, Bologna, Italy, Munari provides a lengthy description of the technique he used to create the images in this portfolio. A portion of that description reads as follows: "Original Xerographies are the result of methodical studies performed on an electrostatic copier. The title Xerography comes from the name of the copier used for the experiments. The terminology "Original Xerographies" is used to show that these are not common copies, but originals obtained thanks to a procedure whereby all of the copier's functions are employed. Hence it not only reproduces but produces images as well....Reproducing a ready-made reproduction and continuing to reproduce from the reproduction of the reproduction you get a texturization of the sign that is visually interesting....This is where the experimenter wonders: and what happens if I move this original on the plate of glass? And after a few attempts you discover that you get a great many effects depending on whether you move it jerkily, if you drag it along or if you rotate it, and so on."

Each of the image sheets in overall very good condition, and tipped to a gray support sheet at the verso of two corners, as issued. Occasional soft rippling or creases at the tips of a few of the gray support sheet corners. The original gray paper folder with a round yellow sticker affixed to the lower right corner, a 5.25" diagonal crease across the upper right corner, and some very minor scuffing and wear at the edges, commensurate with age. The 10 support sheets are all loose within the folder, as issued.

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