David Shrigley, The Travel Issue, 2013. SOLD OUT
THE THING Quarterly is a periodical in the form of an object. Each year, four artists, writers, musicians or filmmakers are invited by the editors (Jonn Herschend and Will Rogan) to create a useful object that somehow incorporates text. This object is reproduced, hand-wrapped at a wrapping party, and mailed to the homes of subscribers with the help of the United States Postal Service. THE THING’s current year of subscriptions (issues 19-22) began with an issue by UK-based visual artist David Shrigley (shortlisted for the Turner Prize 2013), continue with visual artist Tauba Auerbach, followed by author Ben Marcus, and end with visual artist John Baldessari. Now that's what we call a nice line up!
From time to time, THE THING releases special side THING projects. These are not part of the quarterly and range in terms of price and production: sometimes free, sometimes not, sometimes limited and signed and sometimes neither. Contributors are among others: James Franco, Mike Mills and Dave Muller.
Issue 19 is by visual artist David Shrigley. Entitled THE TRAVEL ISSUE, it was produced in collaboration with designer Matt Singer and consists of a leather travel wallet lovingly gold foiled with the text "The Travel Wallet". Inside the wallet there is a series of four double-sided removable phrase cards and a 24 page passport book (which can also be removed). The phrase cards are in English (in Mr. Shrigley's handwriting) and are designed to be used in all situations where phrases are required. Some examples of text on the cards: "Can I have your shoes?” and “Please Help me”. Written and illustrated by Mr. Shrigley, the 24 page passport book is a meditation on travel, existentialism, and pool splashing. The issue comes ready for use out of the box and is recommended for all international and interstate travel. It can also be used around town or in the town next door. This limited David Shrigley edition is available at $95 at The Thing Quarterly here
Launch party with David Shrigley May 10th in San Francisco
Here's what you should know:
Friday, May 10th, 6-8PM
Park Life in San Francisco: 220 Clement Street,
20% of all sales for the night benefit Headlands Center for the Arts,
David Shrigley will be on hand to sign passports,
He will also stamp them with an official stamp.
Subscription:
It is possible to subscribe for a year for $240 (Shipping costs excluded).
In subscribing to THE THING you will receive a quarterly periodical in the form of an object. Each year, four artists, writers, musicians or filmmakers are invited to create an everyday object that somehow incorporates text. This object will be reproduced and hand packed at a wrapping party and then mailed to the homes of the subscribers.
