MODERN ARTIFACTS

Published by Esopus Books (2020). Format: Perfect-bound softcover book, 9.5 x 11 inches, 354 pages.

"Incredible....A new scriptorium of art." —Jerry Saltz, New York

Modern Artifacts features all 18 installments of the eponymous series that appeared in issues of Esopus — several of which are sold out — from 2006 to 2019. The “Modern Artifacts” series featured items reproduced in facsimile from MoMA’s extraordinary collection, ranging from documentation related to never-before-realized exhibitions to pages from the Museum’s first guest book, curated and introduced by MoMA’s Chief of Archives, Library, and Research Collections Michelle Elligott.

Six contemporary artists — Mary Ellen Carroll, Rhea Karam, Mary Lum, Clifford Owen, Michael Rakowitz, and Paul Ramirez Jonas — have contributed projects related to a particular aspect of the archives. These contributions, many incorporating removable inserts, appear throughout the book, which also includes an introductory essay by Michelle.  

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