By: David Avery

Medium: Etching
Year: 2019
Edition Size: 40
Image Size: 9 x 13 inches

ARTIST NOTE:
The title of this work is derived from the writings of Bruno Schulz, who wondered if the substance of what we call reality could really be substantial enough to support the immensity of ideas whose integrity demands the resistance to incarnation. As the etching progressed, I began to think of it as a kind of summation of my work up until the present, and you may find quotations here and there from earlier pieces, as well as references to various outside influences and some goings on of late.

Among the various references are the hanging gourd, window glass and pillow from Durer’s St. Jerome in his Study, as well as the bell from his Melencolia. There is a bricked-up version of Duchamp’s urinal, Man Ray’s nail-studded iron (The Gift), Max Klinger’s glove, and a lantern from a Breughel painting. Of course, there is Alfred Jarry’s grand Gidouille and a Cabinet of Curiosities featuring a plethora of grotesques, including the ubiquitous alligator. The skate was shamelessly lifted from an Ensor painting. Many other curiosities can be found referencing some of my previous etchings.