David Horvitz

A book-length poem by Los Angeles–based conceptual artist David Horvitz (born 1982), Adjust the Level of the Sea is composed of “156 waves of thoughts and actions to be realized in relation to or contact with the sea.” Following in the vein of his previous publications, this artist’s book features a vibrant but simplistic design and layout. Each page contains a single instructive prompt in blue text over a white background. Juxtaposed with the prompt on the opposite page, each instruction, such as “write a letter with the sea” or “change the sea from noun to verb,” seems to build on the last. Beginning with “Begin with the sea” and ending with “See the sea being,” Horvitz’s verbal fragments invoke synchronization between humankind and nature, encouraging his audience to find comfort in, and harmony with, the sea.

In the tradition of conceptual action books, American artist David Horvitz (born 1982) has created a long-form poem developed initially as a collaboration between the artist and his five-year-old daughter. Change the Name of the Days offers a collection of 32 lessons and short teaching units in the form of a colorful and graphic text-based artist’s book. From instructions such as "welcome the night into your house" to “exchange breaths with a plant,” this publication invites reflection upon the immateriality of the world surrounding us. The prompts also provide the reader with an opportunity to develop a performative action for each lesson, constituting their own personal collection of poetic instruments. The book is enriched with a text by author and Fluxus specialist Natilee Harren.