A Meditation on Human Rights and a Woman's Life: The Meditation Project

Artist book in the "International mail art event and simultaneous exhibitions in three cities--NYC, Denver, Seattle." Presented in 1990 with Women's Studio Workshop (NY) in an edition of 60, "distributed to 50 people around the world in the fields of politics, art, the media, science, education, and religion who held positions on both sides" (Sollod Studio, 2023).

A unique and provocative piece of American political history, art activism, third-wave feminism, and the continued struggle for human rights and reproductive freedom. Owned by a selection of world leaders and policy and public-opinion influencers* (see the complete distribution list below), this artifact is scarcely offered for purchase. As relevant now as ever, this exceptionally rare volume is an exhilarating addition to any collection.

This is the signed artist's proof. Twenty-four accordion-fold leaves bound in cloth cover boards. Lithography, relief, and hand-coloring printing methods with Bembo typeface on Rives heavyweight paper.

27 x 23 cm folded

extends to 27 x 675 cm (over 22 ft).

1lb, 6.4oz.

Subsequent exhibitions in 1991, 1993, 1994, and 1995. This was the artist's debut solo exhibit.

*For example, Carter, Clinton, Chamorro, Sandra Day O'Connor, Margaret Thatcher, Desmond Tutu, John Paul II, Toni Morrison, Koppel, Brocaw, Dionne Warwick

Artist Bio

Ellen Sollod is an American interdisciplinary artist whose extensive portfolio ranges from large-scale public installations to artist books and photography. Rooted in experimentation and research, Sollod's work expresses emotional depth that traverses the borderlands between landscape, human connection, the psyche, and politics.

Reared in Baltimore and residing in the Pacific Northwest, Sollod has installed or exhibited works in public spaces, exhibits, and galleries across the United States and internationally. She has received numerous grants and awards and holds Bachelor's and Master's of Arts degrees. (CV available upon request.)

Artist statement: Ellen conceived of this project as a way to communicate powerfully with people in positions to affect public policy relating to reproductive rights. She selected 50 people around the world in the fields of politics, art, the media, science, education and religion who held positions both sides of the abortion issue to receive the piece. The work juxtaposes 12 images to 12 questions, beginning with 'Who casts the first stone?' and ending with 'Who has the right to choose?' She arranged for simultaneous personal deliveries to the majority of the recipients, including every member of the U.S. Supreme Court and sent the remaining by registered mail. She wrote personal letters to each, explaining why he/she was chosen and, in some cases, she requested specific actions. Over two-thirds of recipients replied.

Ellen Sollod, colophon: I began to work on this book in September, 1989, out of a conviction that it was a way that I, as an artist, could make a unique contribution to the debate raging over a woman's right to choose. It is my hope and intention that it will provide those who oppose personal choice in matters relating to reproductive freedom, a new light in which to reconsider their position and those whose favor this right, a reaffirmation of their commitment.

With freedom comes choice,

with choice comes responsibility.

DISTRIBUTION LIST:

POLITICS: Representative Pat Schroeder, Representative Tom Foley, Senator Slade Gorton, Senator Jessie Helms, Governor Booth Gardner, Mayor Norman Rice, Jessi Jackson, President James Earl Carter, Chief Justice William Rehnquist, Associate Justices Byron White, Thurgood Marshall, Harry Blackmun, John Paul Stevens, Sandra Day O'Connor, Anthonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy, David Souter, Ms. Raisa Gorbechev, Presidente Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Chancellor Helmut Kohl (book returned unopened), Her Royal Highness Lisa Halaby Hussein, President Vaclav Havel, President Bill Clinton

RELIGION: Pope John Paul II, Bishop Desmond Tutu, Rabbi Elliot Dorff

MEDICINE AND SCIENCE: Dr. Etienne-Emile Baulieu, Dr. L. W. Sullivan, Dr. Carl Sagan

EDUCATION AND HUMAN SERVICES: Educator Robert Valverte, Planned Parenthood Director Fay Wattleton, NARAL Director Kate Michelman, Phyllis Shafley, Sara Weddington

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT: Toni Morrison, Susan Sontag, Lucy Lippard, Laurie Anderson, Dionne Warwick, Gary David Goldberg, Patterson Sims, Karen Finley, Ed Zwick, Marshal Herskowitz, Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward, Ludmila Skripkina, Oleg Petrenko

THE MEDIA: Susan Stamberg, Ellen Goodman, Charlene Hunter Gault, Ted Koppel, Richard Cohen, Charles Kuralt, Tom Brokaw

Artist's CV available upon request.

Video available on YouTube @anuncommonleaf.

scarcity rating: 5

Resources:

Sollod Studio: The Meditation Project. ©Ellen Sollod 1990

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