Art As Authority, http://www.artasauthority.com= /2009/06/the_7th_biennial_artists_books.html
The 7th Biennial Artists' Books Juried Exhibition
by Marilyn Mitchell<=
/strong> With 33 pieces on view, a few were defini=
tely
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. 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 d=
ays,
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 a=
rt
to become all too precious and self-important. Lastly, my favorite piece on view is not a part of the Artists' Books sh=
ow.
It's in the back half round room and it's called "Ambiguous Burden&quo=
t;.
It's by Lisa M. Ellena Sta=
rrett.
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 the=
se
hanging globs symbolize?
On view from May 16th until June 20th at the Athenaeum in
![3D"F=](3D"ArtAsAuthority,7thannualartsistbookshow_files/image001.jpg")
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 mini=
malist
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.
![3D"Fallen](3D"ArtAsAuthority,7thannualartsistbookshow_files/image002.jpg")
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 se=
rve
as vessels of the intellect. The delicacy of the piece lends an ethereal
quality to a genre that is often weighty, solid and serious.
![3D"Basket](3D"ArtAsAuthority,7thannualartsistbookshow_files/image003.jpg")
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 interes=
ting
juxtaposition to the cheerful colors and foreboding title. There is a hurri=
cane
of images, though they don't evoke a frightening storm. Instead they breeze
around with a sense of childlike joy and freedom.
![3DHu=](3D"ArtAsAuthority,7thannualartsistbookshow_files/image004.jpg")
Moya Devine - "Hurricane"
http://www.ljathena=
eum.org/exhibitions.html
Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
858.454.5872