Description
A rare and highly important conceptual artwork in book form by leading South African artist, Zander Blom. This is “The Drain of Progress: A Catalogue Raisonné,” published to accompany Blom’s career-defining first solo exhibition in 2007.
This book is a satirical masterpiece. At just 25 years old, Blom adopted the format of a “Catalogue Raisonné”, a pompous, scholarly volume typically reserved for deceased masters, to document his own first few years of work (2004-2007).
By doing so, he masterfully satirized the art world’s obsession with self-importance, instant history, and the “artist-genius.” The joke is even extended to the paper dust jacket (the black wrap), which comically announces it “NOW ALSO FEATURING ERRATA SHEETS,” as if this brand-new “grand history” already requires academic corrections.
This is not a standard book; it is a limited-edition artwork published by the now defunct Rooke Gallery.
- Edition: 4/300. This is an exceptionally low and highly desirable number, being one of the very first copies from the press.
- Signature: Hand-signed by Zander Blom on the edition page.
