Unlocking the Secret Library of Solihull
From Press office on 02 March 2010
This weekend a mystery will be solved at the Solihull Art Gallery, when the previously unseen Secret Library of Solihull is exhibited for the first time.
The collection, which runs from 8 March to 8 May, features a wide collection of artist’s books, including some that have been created by local artists.
Artist’s books are works of art produced in book form, where the book is intended as a work of art itself, rather than just what is inside it.
Some of the artist’s books on display include a take on the genre by recent graduates from the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design. Recent graduate Jatinder Bains will show her handmade “Systematic Journey” book of photographs taken during a journey through Birmingham City centre, which are presented in an elaborate hand-folded book sculpture.
Wolverhampton-born artist Simon Goode will also display his letterpress printed works, such as “The Heart”, which he printed and bound himself, and based on an abstracted physiology of the human heart.
As well as artist’s books, one of the most visually striking parts of the show is Tina Hill’s towering walkthrough piece “Excavating Babel” – a towering sculpture made from 2,000 secondhand and discarded books that was awarded the Agassi Book Arts prize in 2009.
The show will also include an opportunity to see important book art works from the collection at the Centre for Fine Print Research at University of the West of England – works rarely seen outside Bristol.
Over the course of the exhibition, there will be a number of workshops and events, including the chance to produce your very own books to take away. Some of the artists will be on hand throughout the duration of the exhibition to share their secret tips on how to produce quick and easy handmade books.
For more information about the Secret Library of Solihull, visit their website at http://secretlibrary.wordpress.com.
For media enquiries only, contact Dave Musson on 0121 704 6136
Email: dmusson@solihull.gov.uk