LEARN TO READ ART: A History of Printed Matter
Artists books and Editions (1976-2009)
Curated by AA Bronson
Learn to Read Art: A History of Printed Matter features a selection of artists' books and editions from the history of the independent, non-profit organization Printed Matter in New York. The exhibition was curated by AA Bronson and is the first presentation outside of the USA and Canada. We are extremely pleased that AA Bronson will be present at the opening and that he will introduce his selection for the Badischer Kunstverein!
Ever since its establishment in 1976 by Carl Andre, Sol Le Witt, Lucy Lippard and others, Printed Matter has focused on the investigation and support of artists' publications as an independent format of contemporary art production. The exhibition in the Badischer Kunstverein features books, magazines, fanzines and editions by artists such as John Baldessari, Liam Gillick, Rodney Graham, Jenny Holzer, Scott Hug, Martin Kippenberger, Rita McBride, Yoko Ono, Martha Rosier, Josh Smith, and Lawrence Weiner.
LEARN TO READ ART: A History of Printed Matter subjects the concept of art as an elitist system to radical questioning and focuses on alternative productions which address a wider audience through a higher circulation and flexible distribution. Ever since the beginnings of Printed Matter, the focus has been on the format of the book, a few outstanding examples of which may be seen at the Kunstverein. In the meantime, however, the concept of artists' publications has expanded far beyond the borders of the book, and the exhibition accordingly also includes magazines, fanzines, records, postcards and posters. In addition to distribution, Printed Matter is also involved in the publishing of works by young artists such as Reverend Jen, Terence Koh or Temporary Services.
A second level of the exhibition presents various editions and likewise extends through all the spaces of the Kunstverein. At regular intervals, Printed Matter publishes prints, multiples or photographic portfolios of international artists which similarly may be numbered among reproducible and hence easily distributable works of art. In addition to digital prints or photographs by Larry Clark, Louise Lawler or Matthew Brannon, these editions also comprise suprising formats such as the skateboards of Liam Gillick, Ari Marcopoulos and Mark Gonzalez. Finally, Josh Smith's book with 473 numbered, silk-screened leaves extends across the longest wall of the Kunstverein and becomes an almost delirious repetition of the textual motif.