It is a common consensus that print is dead, but this would not be your first thought by witnessing the thousands of attendees at this year’s NY Art Book Fair. Held at MoMA PS1, the banquet of literati featured tables littered with confection-colored tomes from over 350 artists, independent publishing houses, collectors, and international book-peddlers.
Wriggling through the immense crowd would have been irritating had one not constantly been met with a reassuring insight: these people are here for the love of literature, art, and the heart of the printed form. Despite the oppressive ubiquity of digital media, we still need to turn a page every once in a while.
There is so much to see at the fair, a little guidance would prove useful. In the main courtyard, there are tents and one very inviting geometric dome, all of which house works made by up-and-coming artists. These spaces are particularly special because they sever the middleman from the artist-viewer relationship. The artists are manning their own tables, and are more than happy to chat with whomever stops by.
We loved saying hi to Erik van der Weijde, whose collection of photography books include images ranging from fascist architecture in Germany to portraits of teddy bears. His most recent publication, Home is Where the Dog is, features intimate black and whites of his family, friends, and yes, dog, all captured with the humble lens of the iPhone.
In a similar state of ambivalence, Japanese artist Takayuki Yamamoto occupied a space between the whimsical and the dark. His book of illustrations entitled Most Wanted was a big favorite. The drawings are not Yamamoto’s, however. His technique involved visiting in grade schools in Japan and describing the country’s most villainous criminals to the children. Like criminal composite sketch artists, the kids would draw—largely in crayon—based on Yamamoto’s descriptions. The results are harrowing and humorous at once, lending a child’s perspective to life’s more grisly issues.
Inside the main building, one can find an overwhelming selection of works via numerous indie publishers and art galleries. Make sure to swing by David Zwirner Books for a gander at Raymond Pettibon’s Secret Lining, filled with the artist’s painterly and irreverent illustrations. While you’re there, snag the latest issue of The Believer, which includes new noise by Marcel Dzama and members of Arcade Fire.
Another gem of the event is Holy Cats!, a hand-painted, -written, and -bound book of drawings by Andy Warhol from the mid '50s. Publishing house Ed. Varie was kind enough to share it with the bookworms of New York—provided you wear a glove when slowly turning its pages.
It was of course impossible to see everything in the three hours of opening night, and we'd personally recommend going more than once if you’re dedicated. There will be performances, signings, and dialogues all weekend long!
Don’t miss Ampersand Gallery’s collection or Mark Gonzales' new book via Printed Matter. Make sure to check out Foam Magazine, Girls Like Us, and Toilet Paper for stunning images. Have fun, nerd out, and keep reading!
Like this story? Read more about The NY Art
Wriggling through the immense crowd would have been irritating had one not constantly been met with a reassuring insight: these people are here for the love of literature, art, and the heart of the printed form. Despite the oppressive ubiquity of digital media, we still need to turn a page every once in a while.
There is so much to see at the fair, a little guidance would prove useful. In the main courtyard, there are tents and one very inviting geometric dome, all of which house works made by up-and-coming artists. These spaces are particularly special because they sever the middleman from the artist-viewer relationship. The artists are manning their own tables, and are more than happy to chat with whomever stops by.
We loved saying hi to Erik van der Weijde, whose collection of photography books include images ranging from fascist architecture in Germany to portraits of teddy bears. His most recent publication, Home is Where the Dog is, features intimate black and whites of his family, friends, and yes, dog, all captured with the humble lens of the iPhone.
In a similar state of ambivalence, Japanese artist Takayuki Yamamoto occupied a space between the whimsical and the dark. His book of illustrations entitled Most Wanted was a big favorite. The drawings are not Yamamoto’s, however. His technique involved visiting in grade schools in Japan and describing the country’s most villainous criminals to the children. Like criminal composite sketch artists, the kids would draw—largely in crayon—based on Yamamoto’s descriptions. The results are harrowing and humorous at once, lending a child’s perspective to life’s more grisly issues.
Inside the main building, one can find an overwhelming selection of works via numerous indie publishers and art galleries. Make sure to swing by David Zwirner Books for a gander at Raymond Pettibon’s Secret Lining, filled with the artist’s painterly and irreverent illustrations. While you’re there, snag the latest issue of The Believer, which includes new noise by Marcel Dzama and members of Arcade Fire.
Another gem of the event is Holy Cats!, a hand-painted, -written, and -bound book of drawings by Andy Warhol from the mid '50s. Publishing house Ed. Varie was kind enough to share it with the bookworms of New York—provided you wear a glove when slowly turning its pages.
It was of course impossible to see everything in the three hours of opening night, and we'd personally recommend going more than once if you’re dedicated. There will be performances, signings, and dialogues all weekend long!
Don’t miss Ampersand Gallery’s collection or Mark Gonzales' new book via Printed Matter. Make sure to check out Foam Magazine, Girls Like Us, and Toilet Paper for stunning images. Have fun, nerd out, and keep reading!
Like this story? Read more about The NY Art