KINMONT, Ben. ~ "Promised Relations; or, thoughts on a few artists’ contracts". Prospectus 1988-2010, Forty-Two works by Ben Kinmont.
One of 42 special copies with the original lead type for one of the project descriptions, this being "Promised Relations; or, thoughts on a few artists’ contracts.” 16 pp. of illustrations printed from polymer plates. Designed by Ben Kinmont and Patrick Reagh and letterpress printed in Monotype Ehrhardt 453 on Mohawk Superfine paper. 8vo., original blue printed wrappers. The prospectus is housed in a cloth backed card portfolio and the original wooden backed lead type in a small archival box tied up with linen tape. Both together in a larger cream archival box tied with linen tape. As new.
A prospectus of Kinmont’s projects which are the descriptions of the experience he wrote up once he had finished with a project. Kinmont writes:
“I chose the title ‘Prospectus’ to refer to a proposal or a suggestion for things to come. My projects have always followed a question-based practice, one where I am trying to explore the possibilities and limitations of an activity and what can and cannot happen from the different value structures that occupy our lives. In the context of this investigation the title ‘Prospectus’ reveals my optimism that there are still places in which to do things and that there are still things to be done”
This copy has the original lead type for the project "Promised Relations; or, thoughts on a few artists’ contracts", 1996-7 AC Projectroom, New York City.
Kinmont describes the project thus: I was writing my own contracts for ownership and exhibition of the archives. In particular, I was trying to develop an economy of perpetuity, one where I could afford the promises set up in the archives, yet still manage our living expenses. So, I began researching other artists’ contracts and ‘Promised Relations’ was the result. Each of the artists was either using the contract as an artwork or as a means to clarify an element in the distribution of their work. It was also the first time I ever offered a group show for sale.