Minnesota Center for Book Arts is proud to announce the schedule of
events and speakers for Book Arts Biennial 2011 and The MCBA Prize
Gala. For more details, visit: http://www.mnbookarts.org/
Book Art Biennial is an academic symposium for discussion and analysis
of contemporary issues in the book arts field, to be held Saturday and
Sunday, July 30-31, 2011 at MCBA and throughout the Open Book
building. The centerpiece of the Biennial is The MCBA Prize Gala and
award ceremony, presented on Saturday evening (6:30 cocktail
reception; 8:00 award ceremony, with dessert and champagne reception
to follow).
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SCHEDULE OVERVIEW:
Thursday & Friday, July 28-29
PRE-BIENNIAL WORKSHOPS
9:00am – 5:00pm each day
For more info: http://www.mnbookarts.org/
Saturday, July 30
BOOK ART BIENNIAL
9:00am – 4:30pm
For an hour-by-hour schedule of the day’s events:
http://www.mnbookarts.org/
Saturday, July 30
THE MCBA PRIZE 2010 GALA
6:30pm Gala reception in the MCBA Gallery: cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
8:00pm Award ceremony; dessert and champagne reception to follow
For details and ticket information: http://www.mnbookarts.org/
Sunday, July 31
BOOK ART BIENNIAL
10:00am – 12:00pm
For an hour-by-hour schedule of the day’s events:
http://www.mnbookarts.org/
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SPEAKER BIOS AND TOPICS:
The strength of a sequential narrative cannot be denied. Artists’
books, like no other art form, have the ability to cultivate
meaningful and intimate relationships with viewers and readers through
the development, refinement and advancement of content over time.
Through presentations and dialogues around our theme, “Pacing the
Page”, Book Art Biennial participants will explore the power of
pacing, the structuring of sequence, the manipulation of rhythm and
the significance of physical engagement in contemporary artists’
books.
Keynote speaker Gary Frost
“Intersection, Interplay, and Interdependence of the Paper and Screen Book”
Over 20 years ago, Gary Frost began researching the prospect for
printed books in relation to new “screen reading” technology. His
interest continues, expanding into fields as diverse as the neurology
of reading, digital preservation and the study of touch as a mode of
communication. In addition to teaching, creating work as a book artist
and leading the conservation program at the University of Iowa, Frost
authors the “Future of the Book” blog, the source for the latest
thinking on reading behavior, traditional book use in the context of
digital delivery systems, library preservation and book art. This
presentation will look directly at the intersection, interplay and
interdependence of the paper and screen book as a cohesive
transmission ecology. Print attributes of fixity, mechanical
navigation, and persistent re-access across time all pair nicely with
screen attributes of live content, automated search, cloud repository
and electronic delivery. The self-authenticating nature of the print
book is a complement of the self-indexing nature of the screen book.
Dr. Betty Bright
“Material Matters: the Page as Performance”
Scale and proportion, bound or loose sheets, surface and structure
conspire in unforgettable artists’ books. Bright will look at how
these elements orchestrate pacing in the entrancing books of Carolee
Campbell and Clemens-Tobias Lange. Bright is an independent book arts
historian and curator, and author of “No Longer Innocent: Book Art in
America 1960-1980″.
Philip Zimmermann
“Pacing as Meditation”
In this presentation, Zimmermann reflects on the pacing and rhythm
expressed in his recent work “Sanctus Sonorensis”, a book of border
‘beatitudes’ that comments on the complicated attitudes of Americans
on illegal immigration from Mexico. Zimmermann is Professor of Visual
Communication at the University of Arizona School of Art.
Barbara Tetenbaum
“Random and Directed Reading Experiences”
A definition of random and directed modes of reading was introduced in
Keith Smith’s “The Structure of the Visual Book”. This presentation
illustrates these concepts by highlighting the organization of
information, materials and structure in both trade books and artist
books. Tetenbaum is Associate Professor and Department Head of Book
Arts at Oregon College of Art and Craft.
Motionpoems
Motionpoems is a unique project that unites text and filmmaking,
creating a vibrant new method for the distribution of poetry. Like
artists’ books, these productions cross traditional literary
boundaries, challenge conventional notions of reading and rely on
inventive explorations of sequence, pace and rhythm. Project
co-founders Todd Boss and Angela Kassube will host a screening of new
works and discuss the future of this exciting intersection of
literature, film and animation.
Educators’ Roundtable: “Teaching the Book Arts”
Both educators and practicing artists will benefit from this informal
roundtable discussion, where participants will share practical
techniques for teaching and exploring sequence, pacing and rhythm in
artists’ books. Facilitated by MCBA Executive Director Jeff Rathermel.
EXHIBITIONS:
Book Art Biennial will host four dynamic exhibitions of contemporary
art, illustrating the wonderfully diverse world of book arts:
“Pacing the Page” will highlight the themes of the Biennial through
book art works selected by the event’s presenters and participants.
(through September 4)
Co-curated by book art historian and scholar Dr. Betty Bright and MCBA
Executive Director Jeff Rathermel, “Fine & Dirty: Contemporary
Letterpress Art” will introduce viewers to artists working both
traditionally and against the grain, presenting innovative letterpress
work from around the world. (through October 16)
“Down Under Up Here”, curated by Carleton College professor of
printmaking Fred Hagstrom, will offer a selection of contemporary
Australian artists’ books, providing an overview of work from that
country’s vibrant book art community. (through September 18)
Last but not least, work by the five MCBA Prize Finalists will be on
view, providing the opportunity to experience a selection of the best
new artists’ books in the world. (through July 4)
“Fine & Dirty” will be on display in MCBA’s main gallery during normal
business hours (10am–5pm) on Thursday and Friday, 9am–2pm Saturday,
and noon–4pm Sunday.
“Pacing the Page”, “Down Under Up Here”, and the MCBA Prize Finalists
exhibits will be accessible during normal Open Book building hours
(8am–8pm daily, except Sundays 11am–4pm).