Special Collections
This collection contains a wide range of Artists’ books. Some of these are very rare. All are excellent examples of their genre.
The term "artists' books" is difficult to define. The debate over the "true" definition of the term has lasted for several decades. [1] The general consensus is that there is no one definition. Many other terms are also used to suggest the same concept: book art, book as artwork, bookwork, artists' bookworks, book objects, artists books (no apostrophe) and there are likely more'. - Molly Dotson, Yale University Library
Artists' Books Highlights
Visionaire 55 Surprise
Visionaire is a limited edition multi-format art and fashion publication. Issue 55 pushes the limits of paper with a collection of pop-up books, showcasing the work of a number of artists, including: Sophie Calle, Andreas Gursky, Cai Guo-Qiang,Steven Klein, Yayoi Kusama, Alasdair McLellan, Steven Meisel, Guido Mocafico, Nicola Formichetti/Gareth Pugh, Sølve Sundsbø (above), and Mario Testino.
With 3D scenes, moveable pieces and surprise reveals, these pop-up books are executed by renowned paper engineers, housed in a purple cloth case with magnetised closure.
Wipe
Wipe is a small assembling publication in which toilet paper is the medium. The use of a non-archival, indeed anti-archival medium, is intentional, with the ephemerality and fragility of the medium in sharp contrast with the artistic concern for archival materials. Conceived as a playful lightweight publication to circumvent postage costs, Wipe nods to Duchamp’s urinal and challenges contributors to make work on a medium that is almost anti-art.
(text by Susan Hartigan)