11 - ALECHINSKY, Pierre, and CIORAN, E.M. *Schismes*.

ALECHINSKY, Pierre, and CIORAN, E.M. *Schismes*. A beautiful publication by Maeght marking the first collaboration between the CoBrA painter and the philosopher of poetic nihilism. Paris, Maeght Éditeur, 1978. Folio (322 x 238 mm), loose-leaf, white cover illustrated with an original calligraphic composition in black ink by Alechinsky. 5 leaves, 4 color lithographs (bright red, almond green, and black). Slight smudging on the lithographs, as is often the case; edges slightly browned. 4 original color lithographs accompanied by 4 previously unpublished aphorisms by Cioran. Limited edition of 180 prints (no. 93). Each lithograph is numbered, dated, and signed in pencil by the artist. This copy features, on the first lithograph, an autograph inscription by Alechinsky in pencil, dated January 18, 1983. This series embodies the dialogue between the aphorisms of E.M. Cioran (1911–1995) and the artwork of Pierre Alechinsky (born 1927), a central figure of the CoBrA group. It was at the painter’s initiative—eager to juxtapose his work with Cioran’s writing—that Cioran composed these previously unpublished texts for Maeght. The four lithographs, with their organic forms encircled by dense blacks, offer a powerful visual echo of the philosopher’s incisive and disillusioned style. In fine condition.