Today in the Central Exhibition Hall "Manege" exhibition at the project "Artist's Book /Livre d'artiste» - «Journey of Odysseus", representing illustrations of Homer's poem of four artists: Andre Masson, Henri M

"Manezh", April 16 - May 22, 2013
Moscow, Manege Square, 1

Today the Central Exhibition Hall "Manege" exhibition at the project "Artist's Book /Livre d'artiste» - «Journey of Odysseus", representing illustrations of Homer's poem of four artists: Andre Masson (1896-1986 ), Henri Matisse (1869-1954), Marc Chagall (1887-1985) and Hans Erni (p . 1909). Made in the genre of artist's books - the original short-run prints - these works were created in the period from 1935 to 1978. Exhibition project will provide the public an opportunity not just to see the work of leading artists of the twentieth century, but also to compare different approaches to the representation of events of the same product. Each of the cycles created illustrations for "Odyssey" by Homer in his own way is the ancient heroes of the poem, their images and actions.

André Masson Penelope. Illustration to Homer's "Odyssey» 1978. Etching with aquatint. 65 x 50 Source: Press Release "Manezh»

André Masson Odysseus, holding his bow. Illustration to Homer's "Odyssey." 1978 Etching with aquatint. 65 x 50 Source: Press Release "Manezh»

figurative primitivist, lightweight and colorful series of lithographs by Marc Chagall, like ancient heroes closer to the modern viewer. Antikiziruyuschy, restrained and noble style illustrations by Hans Erni pays tribute to the traditions of images of Greek gods and heroes. Masson and Matisse, in his reading of the "Odyssey" are bold and radical. Masson shows the characters of the poem in his characteristic black and white surreal manner, close to abstraction. Matisse in his illustrations recognizable and simple: concise silhouettes created, it seems, just a few touches, will introduce viewers to a completely different, surprising and unexpected "Odyssey." Graphic cycles Matisse and Masson are on display in full.

Henri Matisse Subject with Calypso. Illustration to the novel by James Joyce's "Ulysses." 1935 etching, soft ground. 42 x 32 Source: Press Release "Manezh»

Hans Erni Athena and Penelope. Illustration to Homer's "Odyssey." 1957-1958 Lithography. 39.5 x 28 Source: Press Release "Manezh»

established at the beginning of the last century genre of artist's books - livre d'artiste-inextricably connected primarily with the text of a literary work. This artist is often not set himself the task of literal image of a specific story scenes and characters of text. It could be just fantasies or generalized images. However prosaic or poetic text has often become the basis or source of inspiration for artists books.

Hans Erni Evrikleya wash the feet of Odysseus. Illustration to Homer's "Odyssey." 1957-1958 Lithography. 39.5 x 28 Source: Press Release "Manezh»

Marc Chagall Penelope bow of Ulysses. Illustration to Homer's "Odyssey." 1974-1975 Lithography. 42.5 x 33 Source: Press Release "Manezh»

term livre d'artiste, or livre de peintre, translated from French means "artist's book," or "Book of the painter." This edition of the literary text with illustrations are original printed graphics (lithography, etching, woodcut, etc.), with a small number of copies (from tens to hundreds of copies), printed on special paper and decorated in a certain way (usually Loose-leaf sheets, box, pouch). In most cases, these books signed by the author, artist or publisher. As a literary basis for creating artist's books in many cases, choose the classic texts: it could be the Bible, or some fragments of works of ancient literature. In each case the artist in his own way, his own pictorial and technical means to enter into dialogue with the illustrated text.

Marc Chagall Odysseus. Illustration to Homer's "Odyssey» 1974-1975 Lithography. 42.5 x 33 Source: Press Release "Manezh»

Marc Chagall Athena sends Telemachus at sea Illustration to Homer "The Odyssey." 1974-1975 Lithography. 42.5 x 33 Source: Press Release "Manezh»

All work for the show provided by two Russian collectors - George Gens and Boris Fridman. Boris Fridman for many years collecting domestic and foreign picture books and book illustrations. On his initiative, organized a number of exhibitions of artist's books in Moscow's leading museums. Meeting Mr. Gens and B. Friedman today are one of the largest and most representative in the country.

Source: Press Release "Manezh»