SUSAN DERGES | Selected Images from 'Full Circle'

a series of 30 unique Cibachrome photograms, each laminated, flush-mounted to aluminum, numbered in red or black ink, 4 signed, titled, and dated in green ink, and one with a Fraenkel Gallery, San Francisco, label on the reverse, each framed, 1992 (30)

London, The Photographers' Gallery, Between Sun and Earth: Susan Derges: Full Circle & Garry Fabian Miller: Illumine, January - February 1993

These unique Cibachrome photograms are numbered in red or black ink on the reverse of the aluminum mount; the group consists of numbers 1 through 9, 11, 12, 14 through 16, 19 through 22, 24 through 30, and 32 through 36. Numbers 1, 2, 24, and 30 are signed, titled, and dated in green ink on the reverse. There is a label with typed credit, title, date, 'Photogram,' and '3003' on the reverse of the mount of number 27. The photograms are in generally excellent condition. Upon very close inspection, the following are visible: hairline scratches and a few scuffs; small matte spots and minor soiling or translucent dried liquid deposits. Numbers 20, 26, and 32 each have a small nick to the laminate surface which might also affect the print.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

'Water has been the focus of my photographic work for the past 27 years. I first became aware of the fragility and preciousness of this element when I lived in Japan in the early 1980s simultaneously with seeing its potential to operate as a metaphor for a holistic approach to the natural world that includes our creative participation. . . Full Circle continues with the metaphor of a scientific gaze . . .' (Artist’s Statement, 2008 Shortlist for Prix Pictet, Water category). This series of 30 images depicts the evolution of frogspawn: from constellations of eggs, to tadpoles that resemble music notes, to hatched micro froglets.  Full Circle was Susan Derges’ first photogram series to explore the interaction between nature and art.  Derges has lived in Dartmoor in Devon since the early 1990s and her natural surroundings have informed her work for the last three decades.  Although Full Circle was made in her studio, it was out of doors that Derges first encountered the frogspawn and became interested in the shadows cast by the spawn on a pond bed. 

The 30 photograms offered here represent the definitive set of images from Full Circle.