Martin (SK), Olomouc (CZ), Łódź (PL), Miskolc (HU)
Curators: Jarmila Kováčová, Gina Renotière
The Artist’s Book Triennial provides a platform in the Central European cultural space for creators who regard the medium of the book as a lasting source of artistic inspiration and the basis for individual creative programs. The result of these efforts is a true work of art: the artist’s book, a unique combination of artistic, craft and technical disciplines, with a personal artistic language and a unique vision.
In contemporary visual art, the many different approaches to the artist’s book offer unlimited possibilities for creators. Similar to visual art, it offers space for experimentation, for playing with form, content, and communication with the audience.
Art books often contain a proportional balance of text and images, where words and visual elements communicate harmoniously in an easily understandable language. Fully realized artist books may contain text and visual elements created by the same artist, typographic designs, purely visual works, or photo books. In cases where the artist book does not contain text, visual information takes the lead and often conveys the book’s message. The title of the book or work often serves as a key to understanding the book’s meaning.
The exhibition also features experimental books that challenge the traditional definitions of this art form. These works explore new narrative forms and question traditional modes of storytelling and interpretation. Examples include library objects, book installations, video books, and books in new media. These works are shaped by individual artistic concepts influenced by contemporary trends in visual art and often require the active participation of the audience.
The definition of the artist’s book involves recognizing artistic strategies such as fragmentation, quotation, appropriation, reproduction, and multimedia approaches. At the same time, it is essential to identify the meanings and messages inherent in this continuous flow of creative works.
The fifth artist’s book triennial reflects on the unique intermedial arrangement of artist’s books. It presents the works of artists who experiment with spatial compositions and integrate elements into installations to enhance the overall visual experience.
The exhibition presents a variety of forms, including ingeniously folded works, loose leaf compositions, and spatial objects inspired by books. Although paper remains the primary medium for artist books, this year’s triennial also features works made of wood, textiles, metal, glass, plastic, and other materials.
An important part of the exhibition is the interactive, “tangible” library, where visitors can discover the book artworks firsthand. This section is specifically designed for young audiences with the aim of promoting an appreciation of artistic and literary culture.
The international exhibition project in Martin not only examines the process of creating artist books, but also their significance in contemporary visual arts and book culture. With the participation of artists from the Visegrad countries, the triennial highlights the importance of the artist book as a developing art medium.