Louise Bourgeois, Spider
Louise Bourgeois’ Spider sold for a record $28,165,000, making it the highest price achieved for the artist at the time of sale.
The Book.
Delving into one of Louise Bourgeois’ most enduring and iconic motifs, this rare title was published to coincide with the 2015 sale of Bourgeois’ Spider at Christie’s New York. While the mammoth bronze arachnid serves as a lasting testimony to the artist’s own upbringing, this publication centers on Bourgeois often tumultuous biography. With an original text describing the artist’s relationship to the spider—who often appears as a surrogate for her mother—this volume also includes an English translation of Bourgeois’ moving poem Ode à Ma Mère, as well as an interview with the artist and Bill Beckley.
Publisher: Christie’s Inc., November 2015
Ryumi Sung, Design // Candace Wetmore, Text // Archival Poem by Louise Bourgeois // Archival Interview between Bill Beckley and Louise Bourgeois
“I connect her to my mother because the spider is a cornered animal, she finds security in the corner. But she, in fact, is not cornered, but she tries to corner the others. Everything is balanced.”
— Louise Bourgeois