Sophie Calle's 1980 Venice Surveillance Performance Reissued as Artist's Book by Siglio Press
In 2015, Sophie Calle's artist's book 'Suite Vénitienne' was reissued by Siglio Press, showcasing her two-week performance of surveillance in Venice from 1980. This hardcover edition, featuring die-cut design, includes 60 photographs and illustrations. Calle followed an acquaintance, Henri B., while donning a blonde wig and wielding a camera. Blending photography, text, and surveillance, the work offers portraits crafted from real observations. The original performance initiated in January 1980 in Paris, sparked by a chance encounter at an opening where she discovered his plans for Venice. The 96-page book contains time stamps, maps, and images, culminating with Calle's note, '10:10am I stop following Henri B.' This reissue serves as both a document and an artwork.
Key facts
- Sophie Calle followed Henri B. for two weeks in Venice in 1980
- Siglio Press reissued 'Suite Vénitienne' as a die-cut hardcover artist's book in 2015
- The book contains 4 color and 56 black-and-white illustrations and photographs
- Calle wore a blonde wig and carried a camera during her surveillance
- The performance began after Calle coincidentally met Henri B. at a Paris opening in January 1980
- The book includes time stamps, detailed maps, and street photographs
- Calle's final entry reads: '10:10am I stop following Henri B.'
- The 96-page book retails for $34.95 with ISBN-13: 978-1-938221-09-5
Entities
Artists
- Sophie Calle
- Henri B.
- Proust
Institutions
- Siglio Press
- artcritical
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Paris
- France
- Los Angeles
- United States