Chain of Images

Chain of Images by Oliver Parry-Newman

A 44 page, 14cmx14cm booklet in which OPN presents a re-representation of Walter Benjamin's infamously unfinished book ‘On Hashish’: a volume described by the writer as a collection of protocols on drug experiments. OPN appropriates one of these protocols, ‘Hashish in Marseilles’, and attempts to extrapolate these pages of their images and sensations, retroactively reanimating them with a wide range of drawings that follow a meandering dream logic, as he unearths someone else’s memories.

The result is an archeological exquisite corpse between himself, W.Benjamin and the alien chemical hashish. Becoming a fairytale-like chain of images, it exposes an alternative and submerged transmission of meaning through time and chemicals in direct opposition to the texts preoccupation with myth. Within this is the quiet critique of the texts early 20th century bourgeois bias’, littered with outdated views on poverty, labour, and physiognomy.

In the publication we find childlike images, people rendered as animals, wonky clocks and people with monsters in their head. If one were not paying attention it could be seen as off kilter doodles, but instead this quiet critique of the original text bares the stains of beauty and lightness found in the prose, whilst also translating it into something new. These images for W.Benjamin come from hash, but for OPN the intoxication is the substance of language itself and it’s beguiling ability to present an image, a feeling or meaning within someone with the same effect as a stimulant.

To use a phrase from the passage - the publication could be seen as an example of ‘canonical magic’ the passing and changing of meaning through constant reinterpretation of work by different individuals to create new substance.

One colour risograph.
Chicago screw bound.
2 transclear inserts, 3 risograph inserts.
Hand stamped cover and back.
Printed in the UK.
2025.