Strange Creatures: Complex Tessellations

ISBN 9789811111174

written by Richard Hassell

published by Richard Hassell 2016

This 128-page, limited edition hardcover book, shares the themes, geometry and methodology behind the making of these complex and intricate artworks which combine art, science, mathematics. Richard Hassell’s artwork continues the work of Dutch artist M.C. Escher into new mathematics discovered after his death. The works refer to South-East Asian textiles, patterns and tribal art. The book refers in design and spirit to M.C. Escher’s own limited edition monograph, "Regelmatige vlakverdeling (The Regular Division of the Plane)” which was published in 1956 and is one of the most collectible books of twentieth century graphic art. This book, printed with diamond-screen dotless printing technology on 3 different matte art papers, and featuring tipped-in tissue paper inspiration pages, is a beautiful object to hold and appreciate, as well as a visual delight. The book was conceived, written and designed in Singapore, with graphic design and production supervision by passionate book enthusiast and brilliant designer Ko Hui Huy, whose delight in the graphic dialogue with Escher’s book communicates throughout the book. It was printed and bound by the team of craftsmen at Kin Yiap Press in Toa Payoh in Singapore.

hardcover: 128 pages
product dimensions: 255 x 15 x 340 mm
Series I is a special signed, numbered limited edition of 55 pieces which comes with a signed, numbered print Frog Star II with hand applied gold leaf.
Series II is a special signed, numbered limited edition of 88 pieces which comes with a signed, numbered print Frog Star II.
Series III is a special signed, numbered limited edition of 88 pieces which comes with a signed, numbered print from the Archimedes Aquatics series (to be released soon).
Series IV is published in the first edition of 855 copies.

The book presents the Strange Creatures tessellation works with mathematical explanations as well as stories about each piece, which place the works in context with art, mathematics and science history. It is both a beautiful object and a educational book, with ideas and information useful to artists, designers, educators and Escher enthusiasts.

COMPANION TO ESCHER’S LIMITED EDITION BOOK

Seen here with a copy of the 1958 book by Escher on the left, the Richard Hassell book is designed as an exact companion to this prized collectible, with the same size and binding technique. The Escher book is very rare, and also has original prints in the back sleeve. Prices for the original Escher, which was a numbered edition of 300 pieces are now around $12,000. They occasionally come up for auction, but some have had the prints removed and sold separately and are less valuable. Copies of the Escher book are available from Walker Fine Art.

4 limited edition versions

In the tradition of limited edition Fine Art books, it comes in 4 different series of different rarity and value. Series I is signed and numbered in the book, and comes with a signed, numbered print of Frog Star II with hand applied gold leaf. There are 55 pieces (only a few copies are left). Series II has a signed, numbered, print of Frog Star II without the gold leaf, and there are 88 pieces. There are some copies still available. Series III is also 88 copies and has a print from the Archimedes’ Aquatics which will be released with the exhibition of Archimedes’ Aquatics, while Series IV is a version without the print and is in an edition of 855 copies, which can be signed upon request.

original print

Here is a close up of the gold leaf print that comes with the Series I version of the book.

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