Laurie Simmons (American, b. 1949). Group of three prints including two photogravures and one photolithograph from the "Ventriloquism" suite, each pencil signed and dated 1986 along the lower right; editioned 16/40 along the lower left. Published by Editions Ilene Kurts, New York, 1986. The photolithograph depicts a close-up of the puppet depicted in the two black-and-white photogravures.

Provenance: Distinguished Corporate Collection, Minnesota.

As a prominent member of the Pictures Generation, Simmons uses dolls, puppets, and other anthropomorphized subjects to explore objectification, domesticity, and American consumerism. In particular, she explores how these affect women. She's photographed miniature scenes, shot a series focusing on a custom-made Japanese "love doll," and made a feature starring Meryl Streep with a cast of puppets and Alvin Ailey dancers dressed as inanimate objects. Her works are in the collections of the International Center of Photography, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Moderna Museet, the Guggenheim Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Image; height ranges from 18 in to 19 in; width ranges from 12 in to 12 1/2 in. Framed; height: 36 1/4 in x width: 29 1/2 in.

All three items are in good condition with no visible tears, creases, or losses. No visible sign of restoration under UV light. All items are floating on the mat; four margins are visible; hinged along the upper margin with framer's tape. The color is bold and bright. To the item, captured lower left in the listing image, along the lower margin, there are three minute light brown marks; which does not affect the center image; light handling mark to the upper right margin. To the item, captured upper in the listing image, there is an area, measuring 1/4 in, that is florescent under UV light along the lower left margin; however, it does not affect the center image. All items are framed under plexiglass; inspected out of frame. Very light wear to the frame.