We’re proud to have produced editions that reflect the diversity of William Wegman’s work—the iconic polaroids, like Roller Rover, postcard paintings like The Architects, and drawings like No Fun Sleeping Under a Picture Like This. That last one, a gestural ink drawing with a comic-like caption, is an example of Wegman’s works in which he explores language with his signature dry wit. Now, these brilliant and funny pieces are collected in a new book: William Wegman: Writing by Artist, edited by Andrew Lampert, and out now from Primary Information.
William Wegman: Writing by Artist is a chunky, inviting book with hundreds of works—many published here for the first time ever—that’s sure to both charm and amuse readers of all ages. And we’re not the only ones who think so: the book has garnered a glowing feature in the New York Review of Books, a forthcoming interview between Wegman and Lampert in BOMB, and a spot on Vanity Fair’s list of Best Art Books of the spring.
In celebration of the new book, we’re giving away one signed copy of William Wegman: Writing by Artist AND a 10x8 print of William Wegman’s Letters (your choice of letter, of course!).
Here’s how to enter: follow 20x200 and William Wegman on Instagram. Find the contest post and do two things: leave a comment and tag a friend who you think would love Wegman’s new book.
As reflected in the works in the book, which range from the 1970’s to today, language is something that Wegman has explored for decades. From early black and white photographs that play with tricks of perspective, to greeting cards manipulated and pushed to the point of the surreal, to droll and irreverent line drawings, the accompanying texts illuminate, complicate, and sometimes even obfuscate the images. The at-times faint type or scratchy handwriting work to pull the viewer physically closer to the art. While searching for understanding, the viewer finds both relief and connection through the visceral act of a smile or a snort. There’s a closeness with the artist that happens in these moments, and there’s something so satisfying, and even comforting, about that in this particular moment in history.
Wegman’s fascination with language extends to the foundational ideas, too: for millions of children who grew up watching Sesame Street, Wegman’s work became woven into the fundamentals of language, as with videos like ABC, which formed the basis of his series of photographs, Letters, Numbers, and Punctuation. (Letters is offered through 20x200 in two sizes.)
Delightful accompanying shows are on view at Sperone Westwater in NYC through July 29, and at Marc Selwyn Fine Art in LA through August 27. A painting show is also on this summer at Houston’s Texas Gallery.
*Contest runs July 21 - July 28, and is open to residents of the United States 18 or older. No purchase necessary. Giveaway is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Instagram.
