Purloined - A Novel

Joseph Kosuth

2000

Book, 22.1 x 14.2 cm, 120 p, language: English, publisher: Cologne: Salon Verlag, ISBN: 3897700158.
Materials: ink, paper

Collection: Collection M HKA, Antwerp (Inv. no. B 2024/444).

Literary synopsis

A mystery novel constructed from a collection of individual pages from other novels. Each page has been reproduced maintaining the original fonts and type sizes. Characters and storylines from various literary sources interact between the covers of the artists' book. A project initiated by Kosuth in 1996 and completed in 2000. Printed in a numbered edition of 750 copies.

Relation of the novel to the artist’s practice

One of the pioneers of conceptual art, from the 1960s Kosuth focused his research on verbal language, of which he investigates the possible meaning, significance and images through installations that he develops borrowing other people’s thoughts and words. A working method that is also used in Purloined: A Novel, which is rich of narrative clichés that are typical of detective novels.

Authorship: Appropriation/Collage.

Creative Strategy: Novel Art Object.

Genre: Detectives.

Publishing: Art Books Publishing House.

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