Artists Books in South Africa

An artists book is a limited edition book that isinternational
produced byacclaim and can be found in some of the worlds
an artist or by a collective and that has aspects ofleading
handmade work in it. The artists book has an editionlibraries.Any artists book produced in South Africa
has to have a
number and is signed by the artist/s who havecopy, or a number of copies donated to the State
worked onLibrary
the book as well as by the writer of the text if thisCollection. This ensures that South Africa as a
is relevant.country has
The artists book may be in the form of handan archive of artists books produced in the country.
printedIt also
lithographs, lino cuts, letterpress or even handacts as a resource for people who are interested in
written. Theyartists
are often made using an unconventional format andbooks but who cannot afford them.One of the best
unusual binding. There are not that many artists inand biggest international artists book
Southcollections that of a Johannesburg Art patron, Jack
Africa who make artists books (it is a timeGinsburg, who is also the founder and Director of
consumingthe
process and is something that the general public areAmpersand Foundation. This is a collection of
notcontemporary
really aware of).Artists books allow artists toArtists Books and includes all the ones that have
combine aspects of theirbeen
artmaking with text in novel and exciting ways. Theproduced at The Artist Press.There are a few
editionspecialised artists books dealers in South
number for artists books produced in South Africa isAfrica who deal locally and internationally. Clarkes
usuallyBookshop in Cape Town sells all kinds of collectable
fairly small (100 copies or less). This makes artistsbooks
booksand can be relied on for artists books. Johannesburg
relatively rare and collectable. The "can do" approachbased
ofThoralds Books caters for the serious collector and
South Africans has extended to the production ofhave
artists'clients across the globe. They focus on work with
books and has resulted in some unconventionalan
approaches to the concept. Graduates from theAfricana emphasis. The Art on Paper Gallery also
Witssells
Technikon have done some very exciting pieces,Artists Books and actively supports the idea of
which have"democratic
included handmade paper, sculptural elements, plasticmultiples" which refers to artists books that are
produced in
bags, fabric, embroidery and wire work. Artistsa format and at a price that is easily assessable to
booksthe
produced by The Artists' Press have receivedperson in the street.