Limited first edition of Ibou's die-cut paper artist's book, one of 1000 numbered copies, in the publisher's velvet-lined silver box.
Near fine in very good minus box.
Price: $950.00
"He rightly describes himself as a 'total multi-artist'. Probably because that sounds better than 'constructivist image builder, graphic and plastic designer, designer, typewriter and typographer, writer, publicist, publisher and specialist in visual communication', which he was." — De Pelsemaker
The Belgian graphic designer, printer, painter, sculptor, and publisher Paul Vermeersch chose Ibou for his pseudonym both as a homonym (for hibou, owl) and as an acronym for his chosen title, Inventief Boek Ontwerper en Uitgever (Inventive Book Designer and Publisher). The artist's brief introduction explains that METAMORPHOSIS is created in the additive and subtractive act of turning and layering the pages: "en zolang er gelezen wordt in dit boek der metamorfozen is geen wereld afgesloten" ("and as long as this book of metamorphoses is read, no world is closed off"). An uncommon and elaborate production.
Read more: De Pelsemaker & Ibou, Letters as Symbols; Simons, Het Boek in Vlaanderen sinds 1800.
First printing. (Antwerp): (Monas), (1968). 10.75'' x 11''. Original gilt-lettered white cardstock covers with white plastic spiral binding. Front cover verso photograph by Gerald Dauphin. In original silver paper-covered box lined in purple velvet. Die-cut leaves alternating with transparent color plastic leaves. Edition of 1000 numbered copies; this copy no. 125. Minor wear and occasional faint toning. Edge scuffing to box with some splitting to joints.
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