The Wittockiana and the Atelier du Livre de Mariemont present an exhibition devoted to contemporary practices and research in book design and bookbinding in Belgium. Both institutions, driven by the same desire to study and showcase the book, are united in their concern to pass on educational knowledge, to stimulate creation and to encourage research applied to the book arts. As a medium, the book touches upon many fields, whether they be literature, philosophy, the plastic arts, design, bookbinding or publishing. A ground of infinite possibilities, it raises many questions and opens up multiple paths of exploration, both in terms of its content and its materiality. In the domain of book creation, the relationship between the medium and what it conveys, translates, hides and reveals is a constant subject of subversion and experimentation, giving rise to some truly surprising pieces. This exhibition provides an overview of book design in Belgium over the last five years. It is an opportunity to discover the abundant teachings and practices of the book on both sides of the country. The creations on display, selected by an international jury following a call for projects, have been chosen according to criteria that highlight innovation: they question the medium of the book itself, its materiality, the practices of reading and writing, and the relationship between texts and images. The books will be presented on different scenographic devices: glass showcases, tables, videos and sound installations will highlight the unique properties of each creation. In addition, some of the works can be manipulated by the public: a way of bringing the audience closer to the book as an artistic medium. The exhibition also includes the research and innovative binding techniques developed by the four winners - Anne Goy, Denis Grégoire, Julie Auzillon and Clara Gevaert - of the Triennial research grant in book creation and design, initiated by the Atelier du Livre in 2010.
Design-A-Book
Location: Rue du Bemel, 23, 1150 Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
