70 ff (31 bifolia, 1 title page bifolia, and 4 colophon bifolia); pages not bound; clamshell box: red silk exterior, title printed twice on cover; gray silk interior; pages deckle-edged

Robert Rauschenberg%2C Traces suspectes en surface %28Things are Not What They Seem%29%2C 1972-1978 %C2%A9 Robert Rauschenberg Foundation

Traces suspectes en surface (Things are Not What They Seem), 1972-1978

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Traces suspectes en surface is the result of a six-year collaboration between Rauschenberg and French novelist, poet, and filmmaker Alain Robbe-Grillet (1922-2008). In this celebrated artist's book, Robbe-Grillet's unconventional, but captivating mystery story, written in his own hand on lithographic plates, is accompanied by 25 original lithographic collages of photographic imagery provided by Rauschenberg. Robbe-Grillet practiced the nouveau roman ("new novel") approach to writing, which emphasized experimentation and breaking with the conventions of classic literary genres.

In commenting on collaborations with artists, and the relationship between words and images, Robbe-Grillet noted that, "My novels "are never 'about' anything, nor are they about ideas of images." The author's enigmatic pronouncement suggests that this artist's book represents something less than a true collaboration, and more of Rauschenberg's subjective response to Robbe-Grillet's intentionally ambiguous text.

Details
Title
Traces suspectes en surface (Things are Not What They Seem)
Artist Life
1925–2008
Role
Artist
Accession Number
B.89.10
Provenance
ULAE, West Islip, N.Y. (publisher); sold to MIA, 1989.
Catalogue Raisonne
Manet to Hockney 344-345
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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70 ff (31 bifolia, 1 title page bifolia, and 4 colophon bifolia); pages not bound; clamshell box: red silk exterior, title printed twice on cover; gray silk interior; pages deckle-edged

Robert Rauschenberg, Traces suspectes en surface (Things are Not What They Seem), 1972-1978 © Robert Rauschenberg Foundation