Daphne : Sigmar Polke. Ein Kunstlerbuch. 400 Xerographien in 24 Folgen [Signed] Polke, Sigmar; Speck, Reiner

44 x 31cm. Hardcover with dustjacket, in black slipcase, unpaginated [approx. 450pp]. A limited edition of 1000 copies, signed by the artist in pencil on the rear colophon. This is number 923. An eight-page introductory text in German by Reiner Speck. The title 'Daphne' in Greek. An extraordinarily lavish showcase of 400 "xerographs" created using collage techniques upon photocopying technology, arranged across twenty-four narrative sequences. "'Daphne', conceived by Reiner Speck in collaboration with the artist, provides a deep insight into Sigmar Polke's workshop and into the subtly ironic work of one of the most important artists of our day. This anthology of sources of visual inspiration and documents throw light on Polke's creative process in twenty-three chapters of differing length featuring large-format photocopies with strongly diverging motifs, thereby revealing that undoubtedly unique method of picture genesis: the old and trusted sketchbook seems to have been superseded here by files of photocopied sheets which at some point or other suddenly cumulate into the motif of a large picture or smaller graphic cycles. The script of the work to be created at a later date begins at the photocopier and its drama is determined by the hand and the watchful eye of the artist. The printed dot, the resolution, the subject and speed all determine the apparently unpredictable and often impenetrable secret of a picture whose drafts are akin to the waste products of a copying machine." Near fine condition.