The legacy of printmaking thrives at Arber & Son Editions. Founded by Robert Arber in 1976, this printmaking haven has become a symbol of artistic collaboration and innovation in the West Texas desert. With a 40-year-plus history of producing limited edition lithographs and fostering creative partnerships, Arber & Son Editions continues to make its mark on the art world.
Robert Arber’s journey into the world of printmaking began with a passion for the craft and a stint at the renowned Tamarind Institute in Albuquerque. In 1967, he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, establishing his own shop, Arber and Son Editions, in Alameda, New Mexico. The curious name choice, “Arber and Son,” stems from the birth of his son around the time he launched his printmaking venture, despite his son having no involvement in the industry.
Specializing in limited edition lithographs, Arber & Son Editions has produced countless works of art over the years, each one a testament to Arber’s dedication to the craft. On average, these editions are limited to just 40 copies, making each print a rare and sought-after piece of art.
The story of how Robert Arber found his way to Marfa is a fascinating tale of serendipity and collaboration. In 1988, while en route to Houston, Arber made a stop in Marfa to visit the newly-established Chinati Foundation. At that time, Marfa was not the tourist destination it is today, and formal tours were virtually nonexistent. Instead, visitors like Arber were given a “ride-around” by Judd’s then-studio assistant, Ellie Meyer, in a well-worn suburban.
It was during this visit that Meyer discovered Arber’s expertise as a printer. She informed him of Judd’s plan to set up a print shop and the need for a skilled collaborator. Arber presented his vision to the Chinati Foundation Board, and, to his surprise, received the full financial support needed to establish a working print shop.
The collaboration between Arber and Judd was set in motion, with Judd intending to print his own works alongside inviting fellow artists to utilize the space. However, due to Arber’s commute from New Mexico, the shop faced challenges in realizing Judd’s vision. Despite their collaboration on a couple of projects, Judd’s untimely passing prevented the full realization of his print shop dream.
One of the ongoing projects they had been working on involved 20 woodcuts. These woodcuts, now on display at Arber & Son in Marfa, were originally just proofs until 2020 when the Judd Foundation decided to produce a limited edition run using the same Japanese paper selected by Judd himself.
These woodcuts offered Arber the opportunity to work closely with Judd’s unique vision. Using loosely-drawn pencil renderings by Judd, Arber meticulously brought these works to life. Each pair of prints consisted of an interior and exterior design, accompanied by a series of graphic lines. These pieces, rarely exhibited to the public, not only showcased Arber’s technical expertise but also served as his introduction to the metric system and the power of simple mathematical aesthetics.
Judd even provided Arber with a list of ten colors to use, including his signature cadmium red light and the notoriously challenging cerulean blue.
Today, Arber & Son Editions stands as an integral part of the Marfa art community. Located at 128 East El Paso Street, this gallery has not only printed works by renowned artists such as John Baldessari, Donald Judd, Ilya Kabakov, Bruce Nauman, Richard Prince, and Al Taylor but has also done contract printing for esteemed institutions like the Chinati Foundation, IC Editions, and Brooke Alexander.
One of their notable projects, the “30 x 30cm Project,” launched in 2003 as a collaboration between Arber & Son Editions and visiting artists-in-residence at the Chinati Foundation. This project, characterized by the physical dimensions of the pages upon which artists work, features varying techniques from lithography to digital prints. Each set, consisting of six to nine prints, is limited to forty numbered copies and meticulously housed in handcrafted Socle Archival boxes, bearing a debossed title on the cover and a letterpress colophon.
As Arber & Son Editions celebrates its 40th anniversary, Robert Arber’s legacy continues to thrive in the heart of Marfa, Texas. His dedication to the art of printmaking and his collaboration with renowned artists have left an indelible mark on the world of art. For those interested in learning more about the “30 x 30cm Project” or exploring their portfolio, you can visit their website at https://30x30cmproject.com/.
Arber & Son Editions reminds us that in the ever-evolving landscape of the art world, the beauty of printmaking and creative partnerships endures, leaving a lasting imprint on generations to come.
