Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Deconstructing Books

Donna Watson, Authenticity, mixed media, 24"x24", 2005
I am becoming more and more interested in book art.  I recently discovered this artist who uses books as his part of his mixed media pieces by deconstructing books down to their essence of paper and ink.



Jordi Alacarz lives and works in Barcelona, Spain.  His works have been shown at numerous exhibitions and museums around the world.


Alcaraz combines sculpture, paint, writing and woodworking into glass encased "books".
 The deconstructed books are created in layers:  first the paper object, ink, paint and pencil.  These are then enclosed in plexiglass which Alcaraz melts, distorting the surface image to which he often adds
more paint.  He then creates a wooden frame and a second, smooth plexiglass surface which frames the entire piece.

Here is an example of a surface of plexiglass that has been melted and distorted.



Alcaraz plays special attention to literature and the use of books.  The essence of literature can be found in the written word laid upon paper.  Ink is formed into letters, then into words, and further into text.



He focuses on the material aspects of writing by reducing them to their physical elements for artistic and compositional purposes.  There is a parallel between the work he creates and the literature that these materials represent;  both transforming books, paper and ink into windows into our imagination.


      "... Within the book, or doubled,
Freed, in silvered glass;
Into all other bodies
Yourself should pass.
The glass does not dissolve;
Like walls the mirrors stand;
The printed page gives back
Words by another hand."
                                                           --- Louise Bogan, Man Alone   
    





21 comments:

ZenDotStudio said...

I love these books, the simplicity of them, and the sheer ingenuity, not to mention they are beautiful.

I see the attraction for you in that simple, clean look and the neutral palette.

Thanks for this share, you always find the most interesting things. I think you have special radar for this!

ELFI said...

les livres prennent de plus en plus d'importance dans l'art puisque nos moyens de communication moderne les délaissent..le livre électronique ne remplacera jamais un beau livre!

Sharmon Davidson said...

Donna, thanks for sharing Alcaraz's fascinating work- it's very different from any of the book arts I've seen. I'm also really enjoying your gorgeous new piece, which seems to be a bit of a departure for you, right? As always, an inspiring and thought-provoking post.

Kathryn Dyche said...

There's such depth behind the simplicity. Intrigued and inspired.

diane said...

Donna -

Thank you for sharing Alcaraz's fascinating work - next best thing to seeing it in person.

Caterina Giglio said...

your new piece is wonderful and the book work is fascinating...

Leslie Avon Miller said...

Hi Donna:
I am particularly drawn to the great textures in your piece, Authenticity, juxtaposed against the small boxes forming niches, and the repetition of hand and finger prints. Mr. Alacarz's work is similarly engaging in its authenticity. Thank you!

mano said...

your collage with the boxes is so wonderful and jordi alcaraz's book art is fantastic and inspiring for me!
thank you for sharing! brr

Ruth Armitage said...

What an interesting twist on book arts. I saw some wonderful examples this past summer at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in DC. Looking forward to seeing your new book :)

ArtPropelled said...

Something completely different and so intriguing. Thanks for sharing Donna.

susan bowers said...

Authenticity is very thought provoking - the kind of piece you really want to see up close and stick your nose in to examine. Wonderful. thank you for sharing your finding of Jordi Alacarz's work too - I love it. Intriguing to see how he works his plexiglass into the design and interest in the book.

Barry said...

D-deconstructing and reconstructing is such a powerful thing - leaving layers of the past but bringing to the surface something new and different. Go well. B

Di said...

Fascinating Donna. Thank you for sharing :)

ronnie said...

what fascinating work - thanks for bringing it to light

Seth said...

Thanks for the introduction. These books are very compelling. There is a quiet simplicity to them that is very meditative and yet there is also a powerful intensity as well.

Gaby Bee said...

Your new creation is awesome, Donna! Thank you for sharing Alcaraz's book art. The pieces you've shown, are absolutely fascinating.

Debrina said...

Hi Donna - I've always been a big fan of book art, but mainly because it is something I can hold and still interact with. I love the overall look of Alcaraz' work but it troubles me that they are behind glass! However, the poem you add at the bottom of this post makes it all make sense. Still, my favourite piece has to be yours :-)

Judy Martin said...

Always, your posts stimulate.

Gwen Buchanan said...

These are so unusual, they make me stop.

IRIS LEONHARDT _ // SKULPTUR said...

I like the books and the paper and how the artist work with these materials.

Allen jeley said...

I read this book and this book allot helped him to make a building structure i really thankful for sharing this book biosketch example .