This volume provides a comprehensive insight into the singular oeuvre of Bas Jan Ader, a conceptual artist whose work—marked by a compelling synthesis of vulnerability, romanticism, and existential inquiry—has profoundly influenced generations of artists.

Ader's practice, though tragically brief, continues to resonate as a touchstone for conceptual and performance-based art.

Fifty years ago, Ader embarked on the final part of his three-part work In Search of the Miraculous by attempting a solo transatlantic crossing in a small sailboat. He disappeared during the journey, and no trace of him was ever found. This act—both a performative gesture and a poetic enigma—has become emblematic of his radical approach to art-making.

The publication features scholarly essays by prominent critics, curators, and close companions of the artist. It is richly illustrated with rare and, in some cases, previously unpublished material from Ader’s 16mm films, slide installations, videos, and photographic works. Together, these contributions offer a multifaceted exploration of a practice that remains intellectually rigorous, emotionally resonant, and aesthetically influential.