Diane Arbus: An Aperture Monograph
Millerton, New York: NP, (1972). True First Edition. Hardcover. Quarto. 15pp., 160 plates. Photo-illustrated paper-covered boards with black lettering on spine in photographic dust jacket. Diane Arbus (1923-1971) was noted for her portraits of people on the fringes of society such as prostitutes, transvestites, dwarfs, giants, as well as ordinary working class citizens in unconventional poses and settings. This work was published in conjunction with the 1972 retrospective staged by MoMA curator John Szarkowski which attracted more than 7 million viewers. Arbus also became the first American photographer to be exhibited at the Venice Biennale. Her 1967 photograph Identical Twins which illustrates the front cover as well as the dj of this work, is tenth on the list of most expensive photographs. "For me the subject of the picture is always more important than the picture. And more complicated. I do have a feeling for the print but I don't have a holy feeling for it. I really think what it is, is what it's about. I mean it has to be of something. And what it's of is always more remarkable than what it is." (Diane Arbus). Illustrated with 80 annotated full-page b/w reproductions of photographs by Arbus, as well as one photo of herself. This copy is the first printing with the plate titled "Two Girls in Identical Raincoats, Central Park, N.Y.C, 1969" which was supressed in subsequent printings. Edited and designed by Arbus' daughter, Doon Arbus and Marvin Israel. 15 pages of text, edited from tape recordings of a series of classes Arbus gave in 1971 as well as from some interviews and some of her writings. Head and tail of spine and parts of edges slightly bumped. One-inch bump on top edge of back board. Some creasing and scuffing on dj, few tiny closed tears on dj edge. Minor age yellowing to outer edges of pages not affecting images. Tight copy in overall very good condition. vg. Item #21278
Price: $1,250.00