Three Types of Reading Ambiguity

Limited-edition artwork published by The Esopus Foundation Ltd.

Three Types of Reading Ambiguity is a limited-edition artwork that I designed for Esopus Premium subscribers in the fall of 2015. A multidisciplinary collaboration between musician Charles Bissell and contemporary artist Beth Campbell, the edition is a layered reflection on the differing meanings of “original” and “copy” in the visual arts and music — and a fascinating glimpse into the creative processes of Bissell and Campbell. Bissell, front man for The Wrens, contributed a longer, unique version of “Three Types of Reading Ambiguity,” a track from the acclaimed indie band’s forthcoming album; in the edition, that track takes up one side of a custom-designed audio cassette, whose Side B features a fascinating sonic interpretation of the song created by Campbell, whose sculptures and installations frequently explore notions of copies and duplication. The edition also included an exquisite new 17 x 30” drawing by Campbell, reproduced as an archival lithographic print, as well as a foldout poster featuring Bissell’s lyrics reproduced in their original format.