Generational change in book art.
Generational change in book art.
Generational change in book art.
If you have been visiting book art exhibitions for years, you slowly notice a change among exhibitors and visitors alike. Old familiar faces are suddenly no longer there, a new generation is following in the footsteps of the old, among collectors and artists alike. What does this perception mean for book art, the artist's book as an art form?
A change, a rejuvenation of book art is emerging here. This process of renewal can be observed as long as art has existed. Since early book illumination, this art form, this art movement has always been in a state of flux, always giving birth to itself anew. But it is precisely this addition of new thoughts, sensations and perceptions as well as expressive power that promotes and secures the development of book art. Book art is alive, even if in a completely different form than it was almost 800 years ago. Book art, like every art form, is subject to incessant development. This is precisely what we need to be aware of.
The classical teachings of Johannes Gutenberg do not constitute the art of the book alone. It is only one part. Book art is far more diverse than we generally imagine.
Who still writes with a quill pen today, even though it can be quite charming. Book illumination has been replaced by the incunabula book. But is a handwritten text more significant than a printed one? Who still really prints in lead type today? Hasn't screen or laser printing already taken its place?
Only what evolves is alive. From this point of view, it is a joy, without wanting to weaken the work of us old people, that we are able to experience so many new directions in their infancy, it is at the same time proof that the development of book art will continue. Let us therefore be inspired by this fresh wind and not experience this development as a dangerous storm that opposes the teaching. We will then all benefit from each other, just as the artists have done time and again in the past.
Book art lives!
Book art changes!
Book art has an effect!
Gerd J. Wunderer