Real lush thumbnail 1
Real lush thumbnail 2
Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Request to view at the National Art Library

Real lush

Artist's Book
1981 (published)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The rhomboid shape of this book is a striking example of a structure that manipulates the way that the viewer experiences the book. ‘Real lush’ is over 2 inches thick and comprises 315 leaves bolted together within a stiff red cover. The positioning of the bolts and the resulting tight, angle binding was intended to help flip open the book, but also to hide a good proportion of the book in the spine. For Osborn books are about revelation and concealment.

‘Real lush’ is a largely visual work with perceptible sequences of images, overprinted layer upon layer. Individual elements of imagery reappear as visual refrains throughout the work. Some sequences of images depict movement: a man running from left to right, or a bird flying off the page. The book paraphrases the experience of growing up in a close-knit, vocal, voluminous family.

Although the book can be perused slowly and deliberately, page by page, its tactile structure lends itself emphatically to flipping through it at breakneck speed, the viewer experiencing a dynamic onslaught of sensory overload.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleReal lush (assigned by artist)
Brief description
Artist's book, 'Real lush', by Kevin Osborn, Virginia, 1981
Physical description
Artist's book incorporating a montage of recycled magazine ads, photos and graphics - printed offset.

Features an unusual angle binding, intended both to help flip open the book, but also to hide a good percentage of the book in the spine. Each leaf measures 10 x 14 cm. but the book is bound at a slant to form a rhomboidal solid.

Limited ed. of 305 copies.

640 pages all illustrated, some colour
Dimensions
  • Height: 10cm
Summary
The rhomboid shape of this book is a striking example of a structure that manipulates the way that the viewer experiences the book. ‘Real lush’ is over 2 inches thick and comprises 315 leaves bolted together within a stiff red cover. The positioning of the bolts and the resulting tight, angle binding was intended to help flip open the book, but also to hide a good proportion of the book in the spine. For Osborn books are about revelation and concealment.

‘Real lush’ is a largely visual work with perceptible sequences of images, overprinted layer upon layer. Individual elements of imagery reappear as visual refrains throughout the work. Some sequences of images depict movement: a man running from left to right, or a bird flying off the page. The book paraphrases the experience of growing up in a close-knit, vocal, voluminous family.

Although the book can be perused slowly and deliberately, page by page, its tactile structure lends itself emphatically to flipping through it at breakneck speed, the viewer experiencing a dynamic onslaught of sensory overload.
Other number
95.GG.30 - NAL Pressmark
Collection
Library number
38041987033073

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMarch 5, 2014
Record URL
Download as: JSON