30.6.15

The Conquest of Space Atlas by Marcel Broodthaers

La conquête de l'espace. Atlas à l'usage des artistes et des militaries ('The Conquest of Space (Atlas for the use of artists and soldiers)') 
by Marcel Broodthaers, 1975.

"A tiny atlas measuring just 3,8 x 3,5 cm. Each page represents one of 32 arbitrarily chosen countries in alphabetical order. By representing the countries as equal-sized, unrelated black shapes, the little atlas negates its usual function of offering a truthful representation of the world. Broodthaers' atlas shows the countries for what they really are and underlines the similar problems they all face."

From the Herbert Foundation visiting guide of the exhibition "Carte du monde poétique. Films, Works and Documents of Marcel Broodthaers from the Herbert Foundation". Currently on display until November 15th.