FLAG I, II, III – (My Emblem) ADD TO MY LIBRARY
Hand pulled, Acrylic Screen Prints
on hand made paper/book covers. Each of the images has been printed on a unique handmade paper derived from my Library/ book collection.
60x80cm each framed, edition of 20
The Books have been removed from their covers and meticulously reorganized and rebound as many, now transformed into objects that defy their original form.
The coverless books are folded together to create an intrinsically infinite organic structure that begins to approach an architectural Floor plan or a pattern.
Expanded into organic matter, twisted or stuck together, they form small scale Podiums, columns or other times printed editions of ‘ ‘Flags’ /’Emblems’.
4 days before the installation at Departure Gallery work in progress
Add To My Library progressively expanded on the floor,lighten by individual light bookmarks.
Experimenting with various types of lighting creates an almost mystical ‘reading’.
There are still lighbookmarks awaiting to be installed ……
In the meantime…….. a new production of works has meticulusly derived from this process and is about to be Added to My Library.
What is the purpose of the book nowdays?
At a time when the notion of the book is challenged by the advent of the screen and computer……….for the last three years I attempt to re-contextualize books that become ‘significant objects’ not to be read, but experienced within the physical space.
Addressing books as ‘objects’ rather than sacred cultural artifacts.
Within an obsessive cultural context of hypertexts, virtual communication, the internet and the commodification of the book, intented through this expanded installation to encourage viewers to consider how we now address traditional modes of relaying knowledge, such as through the use of textbooks, encyclopedia and atlases.
I prompt viewers to explore ideas of materiality juxtaposed with new notions of accumulating and communicating knowledge.
BOOKMARKING PAGES
Further into ADD TO MY LIBRARY –What Is the Purpose of the Book today?
Looking at relating BOOK shows in galleries. This one at V&A takes a less-critical approach. In 2008 an exhibition at V&A has shown the ways in which the book has been treated by ‘selected’ leading artists of today and the recent past. Blood on Paper focused on new and contemporary work, and on books where the artist has been the driving force in conception and design. selected books which reveal both the creative process and the soul of the artist in question. Some are iconic works which established the genre of the livre d’artiste after the Second World War; others are surprises from artists who are best known for their work with other sorts of material. Formats and production methods vary enormously. Some works show the virtuosity of traditional ‘hot metal’ printing techniques, others take the commercially-produced book as the starting point of their statements, yet others produce stunning large-scale installations and sculptures.?……
Coming back to my Library ….the Floor installation has been Bookmarking similar artworks by contemporary masters and moves on adding light bookmarks for those who can not see …………
Antony Caros’ piece has been certainly influencial in producting MY SUPER BOOK…to be launced in early 2011. venue to be announced soon!!!
