An artist’s book is an original work of art in book form or inspired by the idea of a book.
Examples from the collection: 212 McCarthy Street Matches: If Only They Struck Anywhere. Eightfold Press (1994)
Examples from the collection: Un Cachondeo Tirano. Anais Vasconcelos (2021)
Examples from the collection: The Things I Remember. Ciara Gray
Examples from the collection: Sto Len Box Set. STO (2018)
Unlike an exhibition catalog, monograph, or art book which include reproductions of art works, artists’ books are works of art in and of themselves. Crafted by an artist or group of artists, sometimes in collaboration with an independent press, they come in myriad shapes, sizes, and manifestations. Some are designed to be easily produced in large or open editions, while others are conceived as handmade, limited edition art objects using traditional book-binding and paper making techniques.
Many artists’ books actively challenge our assumptions of what a book is or should be, defying easy categorization or definition. They exist at the intersections of printmaking, photography, poetry, experimental narrative, visual arts, graphic design, and publishing
(Smithsonian Libraries, "Artists' Book Guide") and invite interactive, hands-on explorations by the viewer/reader. This interactivity is part of what makes the medium unique—many artists choose to craft artists' books as part of their practice because they want to make their work more accessible and widely available.
To learn more about the history of artists' books and zines or how to make your own, explore the Resources page of this guide.
