One step away from hell? Transformation of books into art objects

Abstract

The article considers a popular and controversial modern phenomenon — the use of books as a medium for various mixed media art forms. The author gives examples of contemporary book altering techniques, such as book carving, painting and upcycling, etc., following the trend of transforming our interaction with books into a show of craftsmanship and entertainment. The critic points out that, in order to create a visually stunning and artistically expressive altered book, artists often work with beautifully published tomes, complete with quality materials, imaginative design and moderately used look, rather than with inferior mass-produced or defective books. It is not uncommon for book alterers to use antiques or rare editions: for example, British and American book artists particularly value Victorian books. It follows that, rather than popularising and creatively reimagining the book as such, this fad causes erosion of the meaning and profanes the process of book reading and contemplating.