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Raoul Veroni was 53 years old when his
son Ral was born. By that time he had already designed,
illustrated and printed over 40 fine books for bibliophiles;
including works with celebrated authors such as Ricardo
Molinari and Silvina Ocampo and new editions of classics
by T.S. Elliot, Oscar Wilde and Edgar Allan Poe. These were
produced both through the prestigious Colombo family publishing
house and in Veroni's own studio in Calle Senillosa. Some
of his finest works, including Enrique Banchs’ Cantos
de Anochecer (1965) and an exquisite edition of Sapho’s
poetry (1968), were yet to come. As might be expected of
such a prolific artist, his son grew up to the sound of
the printing press, observing his father entranced in productions
in lithography, etching and typeset. Sadly, Alzheimer’s
was to take its toll on Raoul Veroni before he was able
to directly pass on his skills, but his influence as a creator
of books was to have a resounding influence on his son in
later years.
Ral Veroni created his first book, Jaguares
y Cacatúas, in 1990. Distinct to the production of
his father, this was not a book for bibliophiles as such but
rather an artist's book: with all content and production by
himself. In travels which have since taken him across the
USA and Europe, Ral Veroni discovered the inherent power of
the artist's book for representation without the need for
galleries, agents or any other third party; the space and
strength they give to the artist as a truly independent creator.
Now returned to his homeland, Ral Veroni continues his production
of artist's books to the present day.
This is the first exhibition to bring together
the work of father and son; the first opportunity in over
20 years to view Raoul Veroni's exquisite editions for bibliophiles
and the first to see, amongst his other works, Ral Veroni’s
stunning latest artist’s book The Lottery Project.
Linda Neilson
Exhibition Curator |