Open het Graf (Open the Grave) poster and program, 1962

(1) Poster, 57.5 x 40.5 cm, litho printed black on white paper, folded three times. Announces one of the first and most famous happenings in The Netherlands, which took place at the studio of Rik Van Bentum in Amsterdam on December 9, 1962. Organized by New York Living Theatre actor Mel Clay, film producer Frank Stern, and writer Simon Vinkenoog, the event featured artists performing actions around the theme of necrophilia. The space was adorned with wall drawings, photo collages and flyers as well as slabs of meat and cow intestines. Fine copy.

(2) Programme booklet for the event. Gold coloured paper covers, staple bound, 30 x 22 cm, 11 pp. stencilled on pink and grey sheets. Title page reads 'Open het Graf: A homage to the dead, a warning to the living'. With facsimile handwritten and typed texts and drawings by Simon Vinkenoog, Bart Huges, Frank Stern, Rik van Bentum, Jean-Jacques Lebel et al. Moderate fading to cover and fragile paper, staples partly loose, else in fine shape. Rare documents. (total 2)