Rita Simon

Ariadne

1978

Artist: Bruce Nauman Title: Fingers and Holes (Black and White) Size: 30 x 40 Inches Medium: Lithograph and Screenprint Edition: Edition of 50. AP #7/10 Year: 1994 Notes: Hand Signed, Dated and Numbered by the Artist in Pencil. Printed by Gemini Gel #36.34. From the collection of Brook Alexander Gallery, NYC. Fingers and Holes, a captivating artistic exploration initiated by Bruce Nauman (American, born 1941), originated from a unique challenge he set for himself. Using his non-dominant hand, he drew his right hand, and vice versa, meticulously annotating each sketch with the count of holes formed between the fingers. This seemingly simple endeavor evolved into a profound study of algebraic topology, a mathematical field investigating fundamental properties of distorted objects, such as solids and voids. Nauman ingeniously translated his anatomical sketches into this abstract language. In this realm of mathematical inquiry, seemingly dissimilar objects transform into one another. A coffee cup and a doughnut, for instance, are considered equivalents due to their shared characteristic of having an unbroken surface surrounding a single "hole," a concept known as homeomorphisms. Nauman's deep dive into topology revealed connections between disparate elements, encapsulated in his statement, “Things that don’t look alike morphose one into another.” However, Fingers and Holes goes beyond mathematical intricacies. It delves into the realm of transformation—topological, visual, and linguistic. The iconic "three fingers, one hole" gesture, a symbol of sexual intercourse in what Nauman referred to as "kids’ sign language," served as a pivotal motif. This gesture reappeared in various forms within the series, including daisy chain formations and overlays on clowns' handshakes, which Nauman identified through his exploration. The clowns in Nauman’s work epitomize ambiguity, embodying a spectrum from humor to threat. Their double handshakes, simultaneously obsequious and aggressive, mirror the complexities of human interactions. Nauman found inspiration in this ambiguity, appreciating the clowns for their enigmatic nature. By integrating the "three fingers, one hole" motif into the handshake of his clown prints...

Artist: Daphne Mumford Title: Moonlight Medium: Screenprint Signed: Hand Signed Edition: From the edition of 200 Measurements: 30" x 22" Year: 1978 Note: This piece is sold UNF...

Artist: Jack Brusca Title: America Medium: Silkscreen Signed: Hand Signed Year: 1977 Edition: From the edition of 200 Measurements: 22" x 33 1/2" Note: This piece is sold UNFRA...

Artist: Mark Sabin Title: Secret Ceremony Medium: Screenprint Signed: Hand Signed Edition: Edition of 250 Measurements: 32" x 26" Condition: Excellent....

Artist: Mr. Brainwash Title: Love is in the Air (Toronto) Medium: Screenprint in colors on wove paper Date: 2019 Edition: PP 2/5 (aside from the edition of 50) Sheet Size: 30" x 22 1...

Artist: Julian Opie Title: Ruth Smoking 2 Portfolio: 26 Portraits Medium: Screenprint Date: 2006 Edition: 250 Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 16 1/2" Sheet Size: 15" x 9 3/4" Signature: Unsigned

Artist: Mr. Brainwash Title: Keep a Child Alive (Pink) Medium: Screenprint in colors on archival paper Date: 2012 Edition: HC (aside from the edition of 150) Sheet Size: 30" x 22 1/4...

Artist: Julian Opie Title: Ruth Smoking 1 Portfolio: 26 Portraits Medium: Screenprint Date: 2006 Edition: 250 Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 16 1/2" Sheet Size: 15" x 9 3/4" Signature: Unsigned