Special edition of the La Trobe Journal looks at Artists’ Books in Australia

The most recent issue of the La Trobe Journal focuses on the development of artists’ books as an art practice in Australia.

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The digital revolution has led many to question the future of the book, yet more artists are involved with making books than ever before. Artists, printmakers, letterpress printers and binders are creating and designing books that draw upon and extend the traditional format.

The editors write in their introduction that

In editing this special issue of the La Trobe Journal on artists’ books, our chief aim has been to introduce the Library’s significant collection of artists’ books to new readers. At the same time, we hope that these essays will open up questions and point others toward new areas of research in the field.While there has been a growing literature on the subject, it is nevertheless the case that artists’ books in Australia remain an under-researched area of study. Given the growing proliferation of artists’ books, in defiance of the digital trend, it appears certain they are here to stay. Whatever the future of the book, we feel assured that artists, in emphasising tactility and materiality, will be fundamental to its continued evolution.

You can read the articles online here http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/about-us/our-publications/la-trobe-journal/la-trobe-journal-no-95-march-2015

Hard copies can be purchased from Readings Bookshop at the Library or through their online shop.