The Utah Reader, Original Linocuts and Hand Painted Collages by Mark Beard

This is a very rare limited edition of "The Utah Reader” published by Vincent Fitzgerald & Co, New York in 1986 with a limitation of 40 copies this being number 11. Mark Beard uses linocuts and collage work to turn classical iconography into symbols of popular culture. “Utah Reader” is an autobiographical work based on the artist's Mormon childhood in Bountiful, Utah, near Salt Lake City. His artwork has been acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Whitney Museum as well as numerous institutions throughout the world.

Measuring approximately 11” by 15”, "The Utah Reader" is an incredible artist book that features seventeen images composed of forty-one color linocuts with collage elements and additional handwork that are protected by tissue guards. The book is bound in turquoise silk covered boards and is in FINE condition with a very minor creasing near the heel of the spine.

About Vincent Fitzgerald & Co: Since 1981 with the publication of his first book, Vincent Fitzgerald & Co. has produced 50 incredible books in the “Livre d’Artiste” tradition. As theater critic Michael Feingold has written: "In our degraded age of uncaring mass manufacture...one artist (FitzGerald) was able to find so many kindred souls to share his love for works that are beautiful, meaningful, individual and scrupulously made."Gerrit Henry, poet and art critic, commenting on the effort that goes into each book that involves a minimum of 15 people working together on one project over a period of years wrote, “Fitzgerald’s works are acts of courage as well as creation.”

Photographs of the books cover, signature and limitation page, and some of the artwork from the book appear in the photo section of the listing.