Herbarium
Artist
Mark Dion
(American, born 1961)
Date2010
MediumSuite of seven photogravures printed on Somerset Velvet White paper, housed in custom portfolio
Edition 8/20
DimensionsEach sheet: 16 1/2 × 11 1/2 inches (41.9 × 29.2 cm);
Closed dims. of portfolio: 18 × 13 1/8 × 3/8 inches (45.7 × 33.3 × 1 cm)
Closed dims. of portfolio: 18 × 13 1/8 × 3/8 inches (45.7 × 33.3 × 1 cm)
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineAcquired through the generosity of Younghee Kim-Wait
Terms
- Photographs
- Portfolio
- Photogravure
- American
Object number2016.002 a-g
Label CopyFascinated by the historical development of natural history, museology, and scientific taxonomy, Mark Dion’s work often mimics the aesthetics of natural history museums’ vitrines, dioramas, and other modes of display. In this project, Dion re-creates the fictional remains found at Dr. Henry E. Perrine’s house after it was burned to the ground in a Seminole raid on August 7, 1840: a portfolio of seaweed samples.
To make the suite of seven photogravures, Dion scanned algae to make transparencies for the etchings. Spitbite aquatint and acrylic wash were used to “age” the paper, and the portfolio case itself was bleach dyed. Like Edward Ruscha, whose portfolio News, Mews, Pews, Brews, Stews & Dues exploits the dyeing capabilities of edible items, Dion stained the labels of the portfolio cases with coffee to endow them with a yellowed patina and heighten the veneer of authenticity for which he strove throughout the project. ("All for One and One for All: Portfolios from the Permanent Collection," co-curated by Andrea Inselmann and Sonja Gandert and presented at the Johnson Museum June 24-August 20, 2017)Collections
