Lettres Mortes, Dechados Truncados (Dead Letters, Truncated Samplers)

A.C.W., the author of this artist’s book, gives her name as “Anonymous Colombian Whoman.” The delicately sewn text visible here is difficult to make out and comprises the entire text of the book, reading Desesperadamente—in Spanish, “Desperately” or “Hopelessly.” A few more words in French appear on the red cellophane wrappers enclosing the book, including Lacher / prise. Un crochet par la frivolite (Let go. / A swerve by frivolity) and Herbier des fleurs peu cultivées (Herbarium of little-cultivated flowers). The book’s inherent mystery might be construed as either frustrating or inviting, or both.