Theresa Hak Kyung Cha, Audience distant relative, 1977

Handmade artists' book by the Korean/American novelist, producer, director and artist Cha (1951-1982). Encompasses 7 white sheets folded in half to form cards, 14 x 21 cm. Six cards feature a title printed in black on the front, with text inside elaborating on the title. The seventh card has a blank cover, the interior reads 'Theresa Hakkyung Cha, 1977', signed and dated on verso by the artist in pencil. Near mint copy.

A significant and scarce text work by Cha. One copy is located at Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive. The archive mentions another copy in the collection of Amsterdam based artist Hreinn Fridfinnsson, but he could not confirm this. In 1977 Cha stayed in Amsterdam where she met Ulises Carrion, worked in his bookstore/gallery and participated in exhibitions. It is quite possible 'Audience distant relative' was made in Amsterdam and sold at Other Books & So. Cha also exhibited at Fridfinnsson's home gallery Fignal and contributed to his (only) artists' book, modeling her hands. Recently Cha's work has gained renewed attention, and was featured at the Whitney Biennial 2022 amongst others.