Arcana:

(McGEE, BARRY). McGee, Barry, Sandy Kim, Ari Marcopoulos & Sandra S. Phillips. Richard Gregg & Conny Purtill, Editors. New York: Aperture, 2022. First Edition. 11 x 8 1/2". Pictorial Boards. Artist Monograph. New/No Jacket - As Issued. 250pp, profusely illustrated in color and b&w. Designed by Purtill Family Business. 9781597115162

Reproduction is the first monograph to collect the photographs of internationally acclaimed multimedia artist Barry McGee. Though best known for the inventive graphic sensibility of his paintings, drawings, and installations, McGee’s use of photography is an essential component of his artistic vision. Captured at all hours and around the world with whatever camera is at hand, McGee’s images are immediate, casual, intimate, and anarchic all at once. His work boldly employs geometric shapes, clusters of framed drawings and paintings, distinctive characters, and found objects such as empty bottles, surfboards, and wrecked vehicles. Whether incorporated into his iconic multi-element compositions, or printed in the innumerable fanzines and artist’s books that often accompany his exhibitions, photographs pervade McGee’s practice. Barry McGee: Reproduction provides unique insight into the process of a major American artist, and is a testament to the immense amount of visual information McGee has absorbed to build one of the most eclectic and innovative artistic legacies of our time.

For this landmark volume, artist Barry McGee has created six unique rubber stamps exclusively for publisher Aperture and each of five different retailers around the world to be applied to a limited number of copies for one week only. Arcana: Books on the Arts has been fortunate enough to be chosen to represent Los Angeles, and will have one hundred-ish copies of this unique version available for purchase first come, first served.

Inventory Number: E000BMcR