Allen Ruppersberg, A Novel that Writes Itself: A Proposal to Friends and Supporters

from Allen Ruppersberg. Santa Monica, Self-published, 1978. Original signed copy. Cream thick paper portfolio with stapled pockets, 29.7 x 24 cm, title hand stamped in blue ink. The pockets contain a photocopied introduction letter by the artist dated January 25 1978 (Dear Everyone, Being that there is only a limited amount of time within which this piece functions, I would appreciate your quickest response); a 6 page artists resumé; and 11 photocopied pp. with title sheet, dated January 5 1978.

It describes the project in which friends/supporters were invited to buy him- or herself a role in a narrative linked to Ruppersberg’s life. Available roles were Leading Character ($300), Major Character ($100) and Minor Character ($50); all characters were to appear as themselves in the novel. The finished novel would be presented as a series of drawings and paintings at the Texas Gallery in Houston and the Foundation for Art Resources in Los Angeles. The last page is signed in blue ink by Allen Ruppersberg. Important initial document of the influential 'novel in progress' which developed over several decades. Extremely rare, 2 copies from the Art & Project Archives held at MOMA New York and RKD The Netherlands. This copy also derives from Art & Project. Very good copy, with light spotting to cover edges, the text sheets are near mint.