The 7th Biennial Artists' Books Juried Exhibition
by Marilyn Mitchell
On view from May 16th until June 20th at the Athenaeum in La Jolla is a fine show of artists' books juried by Stanley Strauss, Curator Emeritus, Artists' Books Collection, Cerritos Library.
With 33 pieces on view, a few were definitely standouts. The variety and inventiveness of artists' books are what make the genre worth viewing. If it looks like something that could be purchased at Barnes & Noble, it may have achieved technical expertise but it is isn't art.
Sibyl Rubottom - "Fore Edge"
Sibyl Rubottom's "Fore Edge" has the makings of a book, yet, it sits with this packed, solid blankness of a minimalist master engaged in a formal display. The piece is only one inch deep so the shallowness of it feels surprising and clever. No content needed here, just the book elements need be seen.
Kathy Miller's "Fallen Into Disuse" is undoubtedly rather literal as it takes old dictionaries, coats them in wax and has them heaped on the floor. Since so much art comes coated in wax these days, it is only by its placement on the floor that Miller captures the attention. The disrupted cart along with the books serves to derail the tendency for art to become all too precious and self-important.
Kathy Miller - "Fallen Into Disuse"
Josie Rodriguez's "Basket of Poems" is not at all bookish. Using a handmade basket to stuff poems printed onto sheer silk conveys how books serve as vessels of the intellect. The delicacy of the piece lends an ethereal quality to a genre that is often weighty, solid and serious.
Josie Rodriguez - "Basket of Poems"
Moya Devine (who I must admit is a dear friend) has a piece "Hurricane" on view. The angular, unusual form creates an interesting juxtaposition to the cheerful colors and foreboding title. There is a hurricane of images, though they don't evoke a frightening storm. Instead they breeze around with a sense of childlike joy and freedom.
Lastly, my favorite piece on view is not a part of the Artists' Books show. It's in the back half round room and it's called "Ambiguous Burden". It's by Lisa M. Ellena Starrett. Yes, it, too, is coated in wax, yet the unusual forms feel mysterious and organic. The title serves to stimulate one's curiosity - what burden do these hanging globs symbolize?
Moya Devine - "Hurricane"
http://www.ljathenaeum.org/exhibitions.html
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
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La Jolla, CA 92037
858.454.5872
CONTINUING
God & Country
jcstudioandgallery.com
from the exhibit
Marilyn Mitchell - "Nightmare"
