On Kawara: Date Paintings 1981-1983...On Sundays (27 October-30 November 1983)

Many black & white illus. Ca. [85] pp. 4to (228 x 182 mm.), orig. pictorial wrappers, title on spine. Tokyo: Galerie Watari, 1983.


A rare On Kawara (29,771 days, i.e. 1932-2014) exhibition catalogues; it is curiously supplemented by miniature stickers of the artist's signature Date Paintings. We've also learned that the One Million Years Foundation no longer recognizes this publication as part of the printed oeuvre about the artist. Founded in 1972 by Shizuko Watari (1932-2012), Galerie Watari hosted exhibitions by Kawara, Haring, Broodthaers, Nam June Paik, and Shinro Ohtake. The gallery closed in 1989 and the year after, Watari formed the Watari-um museum in Shibuya. The present exhibition was held concurrently with another one of Kawara's work at the Galerie Watari, One Million Years.


This show comprised exclusively paintings from the Today series executed from 1981 to 1983. Much of the catalogue is a reproduction of Kawara's journal, in which he meticulously kept records on each painting he completed, its format, where it was painted, and on which day of the week. A loose leaf printed in Japanese explains the artist's notes. Every "Date Painting" included in the show is reproduced in this catalogue.


Fine and fresh copy, with the three sheets of "Date Painting" stickers laid-in, all in excellent condition and complete. With thanks to Hamza Walker for informing us of the One Million Years Foundation's stance on the present catalogue.