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This summer I was an intern at Printed Matter, Inc., a space dedicated to housing artists' books located in Chelsea in New York City. An artists' book is any artist publication presented in a book like format. A book is a medium that many artists use to create a narrative using images. It is a chance to combine any number of art mediums, to use unusual materials (such as sandpaper or wire), and to integrate artwork with text. Some artists' books are limited edition, or one-of-a-kind, but Printed Matter specializes in carrying inexpensive books produced in editions of 100 or more. The books there come in all shapes and sizes, materials and styles. Printed Matter has a large collection of small books, and one of my tasks during my internship was to carefully organize these books, during which I was able to examine many of them. Many small books are handmade, inviting to the form artists who like to experiment with three dimensions. The limited space of the small book inspires artists to pack them with powerful messages, many of which are humorous.
I had the opportunity to work with one of the artists who makes small books, Louise Neaderland, personally. For over 20 years, Neaderland, has been issuing a periodical of Xerox art around the world to members of the International Society of Copier Artists (I.S.C.A.). Printed Matter decided to re-edition the first three issues of I.S.C.A. quarterly. Neaderland had the only originals, and I helped her to copy these originals for the new editions. Working with Neaderland I learned about the unique effects that one can achieve manipulating a Xerox machine to make art.
In addition to artists' books, Printed Matter carries periodicals, CDs, video art, postcards, and t-shirts. Many obscure or older artists' publications that you would not be able to find anywhere else are available at Printed Matter, or if they don't have it they often know where you can find it. During my time there, one of my major tasks was assisting in the ongoing resource on their website (www.printedmatter.org). Printed Matter has over 12,000 publications for sale, and their goal is to have a complete bibliographic record for every item, including an image. On their website, patrons are able to search for books by category, as they would in a library. When I was working on the website, I was able to enjoy reading books and looking at art all day. There were only a few books in Printed Matter's collection that I had seen before in other art bookstores, and if I hadn't had the chance to work there, I don't think that I would have ever seen any of the artists' publications there.
Printed Matter also houses a gallery space. While I was interning there I witnessed an exhibition of work by the artist group General Idea, and I assisted in putting on the exhibition of the artist Reverend Jen. Printed Matter recently published her book Reverend Jen's Really Cool Neighborhood/Les Misrahi as part of their Emerging Artist Series. For several years now Rev. Jen has kept her collection of troll dolls and other troll paraphernalia in her apartment, and the main attraction of her exhibition was her troll museum, which she transported to Printed Matter. I was glad to take part in setting up an art show, and I was highly entertained by Rev. Jen's collection of trolls and the playful drawings and paintings that hung above the museum. Rev. Jen is a self-named Patron Saint of the Uncool, and her work reflects her desire to accept everyone and is actually, well, somewhat heartwarming. I enjoyed working her show because her work is fun and unpretentious.
As an English major, I regret that I have not had a chance to take many classes relating to art, but I am interested in the way that art and literature can be combined. Therefore, it was a great pleasure to work at Printed Matter. I learned about many obscure artists, running a bookstore, and curating a show. The experience has been inspiring, and I hope I will have a chance to attend art school after Bryn Mawr, and to pursue a job in an art related field. |
