Books

First Edition. Quarto. Bruce Nauman's cheeky response to Ed Ruscha's Various Small Fires and Milk (1964), featuring a sequence of 15 black-and-white photographs that document a destructive performance by Nauman, in which he tore up a copy of Ruscha's bookwork and set its leaves aflame. Image sequence printed to large glossy sheet, folded and mounted into stylishly printed card-stock covers. Very minor bump to top of spine, else a close to fine copy. A highspot of 1960s artist's books.

Bruce Nauman, an influential figure in contemporary art, is renowned for his experimental and often provocative works that challenge conventional notions of art. One such intriguing piece is "Burning Small Fires," a photographic series created in 1968. This essay delves into the significance of "Burning Small Fires," exploring its conceptual underpinnings, artistic techniques, and its broader implications within the art world. "Burning Small Fires" is rooted in Nauman's fascination with process art and the ephemeral nature of creation. The work consists of photographs depicting the burning of Ed Ruscha's book "Various Small Fires and Milk." By choosing to burn a fellow artist's work, Nauman engages in a dialogue about the relationship between creation and destruction. This act of burning is not merely an act of vandalism but a carefully considered artistic gesture that raises questions about the permanence of art and the cyclical nature of artistic processes. Nauman's decision to use fire, a symbol of both destruction and renewal, underscores the transient quality of artistic endeavors. Fire consumes and transforms, leaving behind ashes that may serve as the foundation for new creations. Through this act, Nauman challenges the viewer to reconsider the value and longevity of art. Is the worth of an artwork tied to its physical existence, or does it reside in the ideas and experiences it evokes? Nauman's use of photography to document the burning process is a critical aspect of "Burning Small Fires." Photography, traditionally seen as a medium for preserving moments, is here employed to capture the act of destruction. The sequence of images creates a narrative that emphasizes the temporal dimension of the artwork. The viewer witnesses the transformation of Ruscha's book from an intact object to a pile of ashes, highlighting the impermanence of material forms. The choice of subject matter, Ed Ruscha's "Various Small Fires and Milk," is also significant. Ruscha's book is itself an exploration of mundane objects and their representation. By burning this book, Nauman not only engages with Ruscha's exploration of the everyday but also adds a layer of meta-commentary on the depiction and preservation of ordinary objects in art. The act of burning becomes a performative critique, questioning the sanctity of art objects and the conventions of their representation. "Burning Small Fires" fits within the broader context of Nauman's oeuvre, characterized by its engagement with language, process, and the body. Nauman often challenges the boundaries between art and life, emphasizing the performative and experiential aspects of art. This work exemplifies his interest in the ephemeral and the performative, inviting viewers to contemplate the fleeting nature of artistic expression. The piece also resonates with the broader movements of the 1960s, including Conceptual Art and Process Art. These movements sought to prioritize ideas and processes over traditional notions of craftsmanship and permanence. "Burning Small Fires" aligns with these ideologies by foregrounding the act of burning as a conceptual gesture rather than focusing on the resulting object. In addition, the work engages with themes of authorship and artistic influence. By choosing to burn a fellow artist's book, Nauman acknowledges the interconnectedness of artistic practices. This act can be seen as a homage, a critique, or both, reflecting the complex dynamics of influence and originality in the art world. Nauman's work thus encourages a rethinking of the relationships between artists, their works, and their audiences. "Burning Small Fires" by Bruce Nauman is a compelling exploration of the intersections between creation and destruction, permanence and impermanence, and individual and collective artistic practices. Through the act of burning and the medium of photography, Nauman invites viewers to engage with fundamental questions about the nature of art. His work challenges us to reconsider the value we place on physical objects, the processes of artistic creation, and the ways in which art can both reflect and transform our understanding of the world. In doing so, "Burning Small Fires" remains a powerful testament to Nauman's innovative and thought-provoking approach to contemporary art.