Artists’ Books: No Reading Required

Artists’ Books: No Reading Required
August 28 – November 6, 2004
MCBA Star Tribune Foundation Gallery

The expressive possibilities of the book form have inspired artists for centuries. From pages that unfold, to embellishments such as photographs and found objects, to the alteration of existing books into metaphorical or sculptural works, the book-as-art remains a vital and vibrant form of artistic expression to this day.

Artists’ Books: No Reading Required featured rarely seen artists’ books from the Walker Art Center Library. The exhibit was part of Walker without Walls, bringing arts programming to venues across the Twin Cities during the museum’s renovation.

Artists’ Books featured bookworks by artists represented in the Walker’s permanent collection, including Dieter Roth, General Idea, Jim Dine, Yoko Ono, Andy Warhol and Edward Ruscha. Also included were works by artists whose primary artistic endeavors lie in bookmaking, such as Carol Barton, Julie Chen and Keith Smith.

In conjunction with the opening reception, MCBA artistic director Jeff Rathermel, and Walker librarian Rosemary Furtak presented a gallery talk on the Walker’s unique collection of artists’ books.