Philadelphia: Thomas Parker Williams, 2019. A unique artist's book from noted book artist Thomas Parker Williams signed and dated by him. Williams began creating artists' books in 1998 while also painting. As of 2009 he has limited his art practice exclusively to artists' books. He often creates videos and composes music to accompany his books that may be found on his website (www.thomasparkerwilliams.com). Books by Williams or the Luminice Press imprint under which he and his wife Mary Agnes Williams issue books, may be found in over 70 public collections around the country including the Watson Library at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Paradise Lost is a compelling wordless narrative accompanied by original music that explores variations of loss in America, over time and in the present. Williams describes the meaning of his book in a passionate statement: "Starting with the forests where native peoples lived before Columbus, the book follows slavery as Africans are captured and forced to work on plantations owned by wealthy white men. Although many landowners lost their way of life after the Civil War, the anonymous power figures did not die, and continue to crush black, brown and white workers and families who are expendable. Finally, as we confront the reality of climate change, even the Earth itself is expendable. In the past four years America has further revealed its dark side. Blatant racism against black, brown and Asian citizens has become almost normal. However most of the perpetrators of these acts fail to realize that they are just pawns of the real power figures who care nothing for them and will throw them away when they are no longer needed....If America, or for that matter the rest of the world, ever wants to find 'paradise' again, we must realize that resources will have to be shared and all people will have to be respected. Otherwise, our lives will be enmeshed in constant conflict that will benefit no one except the anonymous power figures."

The book is held in a custom hinged wood container with the title on a copper plate affixed to the cover. It measures 8.25 x 15.5 x 2 inches. There are 20 original black and white ink drawings that trace the history of the enslavement and misery imposed on indigenous peoples since their paradise was discovered centuries ago. There are mysterious figures on several of the drawings that represent the anonymous power figures. The drawings are done on 20 sheets of Twinrocker Da Vici Heavy Text handmade paper. The book is accordion bound, with each sheet measuring 7 x 14.75 inches that extend to 295 inches when the sheets are unfurled. There are two discs in envelopes affixed to a black paper cover: a DVD of the book's video and music made by the artist to accompany the book, as well as a CD of the music only. This original music was composed, performed and recorded by the artist. Housed in a custom clamshell gray cloth box. In fine condition. ARTB/051623. Fine.

Item #36570

Price: $9,500.00