As the day draws closer, here is a timely reminder of the artist talk Bronwyn Rees and I will present as part of BOOKISH, an exhibition of artist books curated by the Print Council of Australia and hosted by Melbourne Athenaeum Library. All of the books in this extensive show were created by PCA members.
Our talk is next Wednesday, March 23, from 6 pm. Full details are at the bottom of this post.
We will bring along examples of our own works and share some of the stories behind them. Among these will be Progeny, 2018, the one-of-a-kind artist book developed during my time as the library’s artist-in-residence for Melbourne Rare Book Week 2018. Its point of departure was Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, which celebrated the 200th anniversary of its publication that year.
Bronwyn and I will also compare and contrast the evolution of our practices during a time of almost relentless change, upheaval and uncertainty.
Using works from the exhibition as examples, we’ll discuss the myriad forms an artist book can take, why so many artists relish working within the confines of the form (or alternatively, choose to expand and reinvent it), the use or omission of text, and why artist books ultimately remain such an enduring visual art form.
The talk and exhibition are held in conjunction with the 8th Melbourne Art Book Fair at the National Gallery of Victoria.
The BOOKISH artist talk is free. Seats are filling fast, so booking is essential.
Proudly presented by the Print Council of Australia and
Wednesday, March 23, 6 - 8 pm
BOOKISH - Artist Talks and Drinks
Speakers: Deborah Klein and Bronwyn Rees
Melbourne Athenaeum Library
Level 1
188 Collins Street
Melbourne 3000
Email: library@melbourneathenaeum.org.au.
Phone: (03) 9650 3100
BOOKISH runs from March 17 - 26.
Melbourne Athenaeum Library opening hours:
Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 8 pm
Thursday 10 am - 6 pm
Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Pictured above: Progeny, 2018, unique artist book, pigmented drawing ink, gouache and hand stitching with cloth binding, 16.5 x 91 cm (open) followed by a progress view and detail of the completed work.