Virgil Abloh - Figures Of Speech - 2022

"Figures of Speech" is a comprehensive compendium crafted by the late visionary artist and designer Virgil Abloh, accompanying his groundbreaking touring exhibition spanning 2019-23. This authoritative volume delves deep into Abloh's multifaceted career, offering a 496-page user's manual to his genre-defying work in art, fashion, and design.

The book opens with insightful essays and an interview dissecting Abloh's oeuvre through various lenses, including contemporary art history, architecture, streetwear, high fashion, and race. It provides invaluable insight into his prolific and impactful career, bridging mediums and connecting diverse creative spheres. Additionally, the book boasts a vast archive of images sourced from Abloh's personal collection, showcasing behind-the-scenes glimpses, prototypes, inspirations, and more, accompanied by the artist's intimate commentary.

Notably, the publication features a stunning full-color plate section offering a detailed overview of Abloh's work across different disciplines. Born in Rockford, Illinois, to Ghanaian parents, Abloh's journey into the fashion world began with an internship at Fendi alongside rapper Kanye West in 2009. This collaboration marked the inception of his career, leading to the founding of Off-White, a Milan-based fashion label where he served as CEO.

Abloh's influence extended further as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton's men's wear collection from 2018 to 2021, solidifying his status as a pioneering force in the industry. Named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world in 2018, Abloh's legacy continues to resonate profoundly.

Highlighted within the book is Abloh's groundbreaking exhibition, "Figures of Speech," developed by the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. This retrospective spans two decades of his practice, showcasing collaborations with esteemed artists such as Takashi Murakami, Arthur Jafa, and photographer Juergen Teller, alongside material from Off-White and Louis Vuitton.

The exhibition, which was presented at the Brooklyn Museum, showed never-before-seen objects from Abloh's archive and a "social sculpture," reflecting his architectural background. The installation served as a space for gathering and performances, addressing historical disparities in cultural institutions' treatment of Black artists and communities.

"Figures of Speech" illuminates Abloh's exploration of design's communicative power, utilizing language and symbolism to transform his creations into literal figures of speech. Through the lens of the Black gaze, Abloh dismantles traditional structures in fashion, design, architecture, and art, reconstructing narratives that reflect the Black cultural experience.

Published by DelMonico Books for the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago's presentation, this publication stands as a testament to Abloh's enduring impact and innovative vision, inviting readers to immerse themselves in his transformative journey through creativity and expression.

23.5 x 4.45 x 30.48 cm

The fabric cover, with its beautiful blue material, not only adds a tactile and visually pleasing element to "Figures of Speech" but also transforms it into a stunning object worthy of display in any room.

This book is in a new and unused condition.