BOOK AS ART – ART AS BOOK

PRESS RELEASE

Over the past twenty years, the book has emerged as a distinct form of expression for visual artists. Through books, various art projects in conceptual art, land art, and performance art have been documented and made accessible to the public. Without photography or books, many contemporary art movements would remain without an audience.

Some artist books are unique objects in which the artist conceptually approaches the idea of the book. These books can be viewed like sculptures that grow from the pages of the work. The book can no longer be read in the traditional way—only its form is “readable.” In a sense, this is a form of reading, as it parallels the process of delving into an artwork and interpreting its message.

Many artist books are produced in limited editions; they are often handmade, and the labor-intensive process and rarity naturally restrict the print run. Some of these books can be compared to exhibition catalogs that illuminate the artist’s persona, working methods, and exhibitions. In many cases, the artist book can entirely replace a traditional exhibition.

In Italy, a selection of recent artist books from over eighty artists has been curated into an exhibition by Maurizio Nannucci and Pier Luigi Tazzi.

Producers of the exhibition:
Zona Archives (Florence)
Alvar Aalto Museum
Pori Art Museum

Translated with ChatGPT