Brief: Find two artists’ books that you feel demonstrate an interesting relationship between their form and content through the materials that the artist has chosen to use. Reflect on these books in your learning log.
La Prose du Transsibérien et de la petite Jehanne de France by Blaise Cendrars and Sonia Delaunay-Terk 1913
This artist book caught my eye was ‘La Prose du Transsibérien et de la petite Jehanne de France‘ (Prose of the Trans-Siberian and of Little Jehanne of France) with its accordion style fold, which allows the book to be unfolded and seen all at once. The striking bright abstract colours shows movement and different moods with brush strokes and blocks. The text inside consists of different sizes and typefaces, adding to the chaotic yet brilliantly contrasting look.
It is clear to see that the artists challenged the traditional form of the book – also needs to be took into consideration that this artists’ book is over 100 years old! So although not as ‘impressive’ now compared to others, back in 1913 this probably caused quite a stir to the industry. This book is usually exhibited unfolded and hung as a wall piece (measuring 2m). The materials used for this artists’ book have hand-applied watercolour, gouache, and printing ink on four joined sheets of imitation Japan paper with an accordion-folded.
Stab / Ghost by Tauba Auerbach, 2013. Three Star Books.
I wanted my second artists’ book to be different from the first, I came across Stab/Ghost by Tauba Auberbach. This sculptural artist’s book has a compelling choice of retaining old book making techniques such as string binding and silkscreen, creating a contemporary looking book. The choice of vibrant colours form geometric shapes which are revealed through the transparent plastic which has been used replacing traditional paper, giving a sleek, modern and interesting look. This artist’s book is displayed on a custom designed light pedestal making it not only an artists’ book but a unique sculpture.
The materials used for this translucent book consist of clear plastic pages, silkscreened with patterns, sewn with plastic thread and mounted on a specially designed light table – producing a complex geometric artist book.
Reflection
It is clear to see that both artists challenged the form of the book and materials used plus, it was interesting to see the difference between two artist’s books 100 years apart. They have transformed the art of a book into something more, ‘La Prose du Transsibérien et de la petite Jehanne de France‘ with its interesting accordion fold which unfolds to a 2m piece of artwork with poem and abstract artwork along one side of the page indicating movement which relates to the poem, to the modern sleek artwork of ‘Stab/Ghost‘ which appears sculpture like when placed on its specially designed light pedestal. There is a clear indication of modernity between both pieces along with experimental materials used.
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