Arcana:

(RENAU, JOSEP). Fontcuberta, Joan & Pablo Ortiz Monasterio. Mexico City, MEXICO: Coleccion Rio De Luz / Fondo De Cultura Economica, 1985. First Edition 1/3000. 4to. Illustrated Wrappers. Artist Monograph. Fine.. 72pp, 50 color illustrations. Text in Spanish. Designed by Peggy Espinosa. Published as part of Fondo De Cultura Economica's notable Pablo Ortiz Monasterio curated photography series "Coleccion Rio De Luz", this is a lovely monograph devoted entirely to the satirical political photomontages of Spaniard Josep Renau. Beginning with his Communist Party poster designs of the wartime era, this is a tour de force on the par with the work of John Heartfield, primarily lampooning the United States and its preoccupation with sex, death consumerism, colonialism, racism, and Cold War era brinksmanship with the Soviet Union. A brand new, most handsome example of this uncommon gem (cited on page 116 of Martin Parr and Gerry Badger's "The Photobook: A History Volume II" and page 19 of Horacio Fernandez' "The Latin American Photobook" - even though Renau was an artist and not a photographer!). 968-16-2115-8 Inventory Number: 025050