Beyond the page: an
exhibition of contemporary book-based art
Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution,
16-18
Queen Square,
Bath,
UK
October 28th - November 2nd 2002
Private View: Monday 28th
October 7 - 10 p.m.
This diverse exhibition of contemporary book-based art, a genre which does
not always get much exposure, aims to look at how artists can utilise and
explore the boundaries of the book format to create intimate and inventive
works of art, whether taking a familiar readable shape or more sculptural
mixed-media pieces which overturn bookish conventions.
The artists involved are at various stages of their careers, but all dedicated
makers of unique and limited edition artists' books, employing between them
a wide range of approaches, techniques, and content. Materials used include
clay, acrylic, old annuals and found objects, as well as more traditional
inks and papers. There are sculptural books, books you can play as a game,
books in boxes, books you cannot open, books that stretch or fold out, and
ones made from smaller interlocking pieces.
On Friday 1st November Tom Sowden
will be running a workshop in basic bookbinding techniques. Tickets are
limited to 15.
The exhibition is supported by Gemini Publications of Bath, and The Old
School Press.
  
Beyond the Page: Organiser's
introduction
The motivation for this exhibition began with a unit on a course I'm currently
studying in Arts Venue Management, and has grown beyond the initial ideas.
Originally it was to have been held in a library and remind people that
books can be other than the ones they saw on the shelves around them; it
became necessary to change venue, so I looked for somewhere else which might
have some relevance to book art.
The BRLSI has a collection of 8000 old and rare books, and they carry out
conservation work on these - quite a nice contrast to the contemporary nature
of the work in the exhibition, some of which does also have a paradoxical
sense of history about it. The venue is not a standard 'white cube' gallery
space, which in some ways better suits the intimate nature of book art.
The eight artists exhibiting employ a wide variety of materials, techniques
and approaches, and whilst the content of their work is also quite disparate,
they all have in common a questioning of the usual perceptions of the term
'book', combined with stringent levels of craftsmanship. I hesitate to try
to theorise about the work or how it will all work together, as many people
reading this will know far more about book arts than I do, being at the
start of what looks like being a long-term interest.
I would like to mention that the exhibition is being kindly sponsored by
The Old School Press and Gemini Publications Ltd of Bath, both of whom will
have publications and promotional material on display. Gemini are showing
their new book on Troika ceramics, along with some pieces of the pottery
itself, and Old School Press will be showing two limited edition artists'
books. For information about the companies please visit their websites:
www.bookbasket.co.uk
www.the-old-school.demon.co.uk
Karen MacDonald
For further details please contact the organiser, Karen
MacDonald, on:
tel: (01225) 429998
e-mail: karenlisamacd@hotmail.com
Please do not address enquiries to the B.R.L.S.I.
London Artist's Book Fair 2002
The London Institute, Atterbury Street, London
Stand 38
Friday 25th
October - Sunday 27th October
   
The London Artist's Book Fair included artists and publishers from all over
the world with over 70 exhibitors taking part. The Centre for Fine Print
Research (CFPR) at the University of the West of England, Bristol has been
investigating and publishing artists' books for many years. Artist's books
are produced by staff and students at the faculty and range from unique
books and bookworks to large editions.
    
The MA in Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking encourages the study and production
of artist's books as well as many other mixed-media aspects of printmaking.
   
The books exhibited at the London Artist's Book Fair represented new works
by staff, students and invited artists. Impact Press publishes documentation
of printmaking research and exhibitions and most recently the Artists' Book Yearbook.
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