What are Artists' Books? This question has constantly been the subject of debate over several decades. Many have argued that Artists' Books are “books arts,” “book works,” or even “book objects.” Neither definition is incorrect, but both highlight the elusive characteristics of Artists' Books. Artists' Books vary widely in format, aesthetics, materials, production methods, and purpose. It’s important to note that Artists' Books are not art books presenting artists' works in book form. Artists' Books are works of art and books [1]. Johanna Drucker, a distinguished research professor, offers the best description, stating:
“Artists' Books take every possible form, participate in every possible convention of book making, every possible “ism” of mainstream art and literature, every possible mode of production, every shape, every degree of ephemerality or archival durability.” [2]
Artists' Books have been created through various zones of activities spanning several disciplines, fields, ideas, and time periods. They originate spontaneously from diverse sources of creativity and innovation. Some of the activities in which Artists' Books are created include live d’artiste, independent publishing, conceptual art, activist production, fine printing, experimental music, and computer/electronic art [3]. This is not an exhaustive list but highlights key movements and origins of Artists' Books.
Footnotes
[1] Kostelanetz, Richard. "Book Art." In Artists' Books: A Critical Anthology and Sourcebook, edited by Joan Lyons, 28. Rochester, NY: Visual Studies Workshop Press, 1985.
[2] Drucker, Johanna. The Century of Artists’ Books. New ed. New York City: Granary Books, 2004, 6.
[3] Drucker, 2.
