A Fusion of Craft and Fine Art: “Book Becoming Art” at SVMA
Table of Contents
- 1. A Fusion of Craft and Fine Art: “Book Becoming Art” at SVMA
- 2. Book Becoming Art: A Glimpse into Japanese Artistic Traditions
- 3. Supercharge Your Writing with AI: the Rise of Content Rewriting Tools
- 4. How does “Book Becoming Art” differ from or expand upon Simon J. Blattner’s previous curatorial experiences?
Step into a world where artistry transcends teh boundaries of traditional books. an exhibition titled “Book Becoming Art,” showcasing the convergence of craft and fine art in the realm of Japanese artists’ books, is currently on display at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art (SVMA). This exhibition, curated by sonoma residents Simon J.Blattner, Maki Aizawa, and Barbara Wells, presents a captivating collection of approximately 40 contemporary handcrafted books.
“Book Becoming Art” delves into the rich Japanese tradition of imbuing books with artistic expression.these handcrafted creations, inspired by Japanese aesthetics and predominantly produced by artists in Japan, challenge conventional notions of what constitutes a book, blurring the lines between functional object and captivating work of art.
The exhibition’s curator, Simon J. Blattner, shares a personal connection to the art form. As CEO of Rittenhouse Paper, a company with significant operations in Japan, Blattner had the possibility to immerse himself in Japanese printmaking and the intricate world of handmade papermaking. “While I was CEO, I made many business trips to Japan,” he explains. “While ther, I became aware of Japanese printmaking and was able to visit a Treasure Artist making handmade paper in the countryside. This sparked a deep interest for me in the craft and tradition of paper making. I have a deep interest in all japanese craft, but notably Japanese paper.Japanese craft is very refined all around.”
Blattner’s passion for Japanese artistry extends beyond this exhibition. He has curated several artistic ventures at SVMA, including “Rebound: A Survey of contemporary Artists Books” in 2011 and “The Art of Handmade Paper”, demonstrating his commitment to showcasing unique and engaging artistic expressions.
“Book Becoming Art” invites you to explore the world of Japanese artists’ books, a realm where craftsmanship meets artistic brilliance. This exclusive exhibition, curated specifically for SVMA, promises a captivating journey into the innovative and captivating world of handmade books.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience “Book Becoming Art” at the sonoma Valley Museum of Art. The exhibition runs through Sunday, April 27th, offering a captivating glimpse into the art of bookmaking.
Book Becoming Art: A Glimpse into Japanese Artistic Traditions
The Sonoma valley Museum of Art (SVMA) is about to unveil a treasure trove of artistic brilliance – “Book Becoming Art,” a captivating exhibition that delves into the world of contemporary Japanese book art. This journey into a unique artistic tradition begins with the pioneering work of curator simon Blattner, whose passion for this medium ignited years ago with the exhibition “Libros de Arista” in 2012, showcasing artists’ books from Mexico and the Mexican Diaspora.
Blattner’s fascination expanded beyond Latin America, leading him to explore the rich world of Japanese book art. This sparked a collaboration with Linda Keaton, SVMA’s executive director, who recognized the importance and beauty of showcasing this rarely seen art form on a larger scale. According to Keaton, “The logistics of planning an international exhibition take years of planning.” The meticulous planning paid off, resulting in an exhibition that is both visually stunning and intellectually enriching.
A key player in making this vision a reality is Aizawa, a Japanese American artist and the executive director of Amu Arts in Sonoma.Joining Blattner as co-curator, Aizawa brought her deep understanding and expertise to the project. As Blattner reflects, ”We had a great connection and shared a passion for artists’ books. I asked her to join me as co-curator.”
The exhibition showcases a diverse range of artists and art styles, featuring many contemporary works created in recent years. Blattner, known for his meticulous selection process, aimed to feature a variety of materials and techniques while prioritizing artistic merit. “My process for selecting the works included looking for a variety of materials and techniques, but above all, artistic qualities,” Blattner shared. “While in Japan,we met many artists and looked at a lot of art. We decided that featuring many artists made sense, rather than hone in on a few key artists.”
While many of these artists are widely acclaimed in Japan and internationally, they remain relatively unknown in the United States. this makes the exhibition a unique opportunity for American audiences to discover the hidden gems of Japanese book art.
Adding to the excitement, several artists, including Hiroko Fukumoto, ryoko Adachi, Veronika Schapers, along with Seiji Shinohara, a curator and scholar from Japan, are expected to attend the opening reception on Saturday, January 25th. This event promises to be a festivity of the artists, the exhibition, and the collaborative spirit that brought it to life. As Keaton explains, “We will be honoring the exhibition, artists and guest co-curators, and thanking our supporters. Some of the artists have flown in from Japan to attend, and dignitaries have been invited.”
The opening reception is a ticketed event, with free admission for SVMA members and a cost of $10 for nonmembers. To secure your spot, visit svma.org/exhibition/book-becoming-art/.
The SVMA is committed to providing a deeper dive into the world of Japanese book art through various programs connected to the exhibition. Look out for artists’ and curators’ talks, as well as teen and adult art-making workshops. For a complete list of events, visit svma.org/events/.
Keaton emphasizes the significance of this exhibition, stating, “’Book Becoming Art’ offers an extraordinary look at the art of japan. SMVA’s robust programming will offer a deeper dive into book art, paper making and the artistic traditions of Japan. The exhibition continues SVMA’s work highlighting the work of artists of color and women artists. We welcome our community to check it out.”
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How does “Book Becoming Art” differ from or expand upon Simon J. Blattner’s previous curatorial experiences?
Archyde Interview: Simon J. Blattner & Maki Aizawa – Curators of “Book Becoming Art”
Archyde: Today, we have teh pleasure of speaking with Simon J. Blattner and Maki Aizawa, the curators behind the captivating exhibition “Book Becoming Art” at the sonoma Valley Museum of Art. Welcome both of you.
Simon J. Blattner (SJB): Thank you,we’re delighted to be here.
Maki Aizawa (MA): It’s a pleasure to speak with you.
Archyde: Simon, you’ve curated several exhibitions at SVMA.What sparked your passion for Japanese book art, and how did this exhibition come to life?
SJB: My interest in Japanese artistry began years ago during my time as CEO of Rittenhouse Paper. My frequent business trips to Japan allowed me to immerse myself in the rich culture of printmaking and handmade paper. I developed a deep appreciation for the refinement and craftsmanship of Japanese art, with a particular interest for artists’ books. This exhibition is a culmination of my passion and a desire to share this unique art form with American audiences.
Archyde: Maki, as a Japanese American artist and executive director of Amu Arts in Sonoma, what inspired you to collaborate with Simon on this project?
MA: As a fellow artist and Japanese cultural enthusiast, I was eager to support Simon’s vision for this exhibition. Watching the project come together, I was continually inspired by the stunning craftsmanship and artistic merit of the works we selected.Collaborating with Simon has been a wonderful chance to showcase the beauty and diversity of Japanese book art.
Archyde: Simon, you previously curated exhibitions like “Rebound” and “The Art of Handmade Paper.” How does “Book Becoming Art” differ from or expand upon your previous curatorial experiences?
SJB: each exhibition I’ve curated has been a unique journey,and “book Becoming Art” is no exception. This exhibition expands on my previous experiences by focusing on the convergence of craft and fine art in japanese artists’ books. By featuring a diverse range of artists and materials, we aim to challenge conventional notions of what a book can be and showcase the captivating world of handcrafted books.
Archyde: Maki, what can visitors expect to experiance when thay step into the “Book Becoming Art” exhibition?
MA: I encourage visitors to approach the exhibition with an open mind and a sense of curiosity. They can expect to be immersed in an exquisite blend of craftsmanship and artistic expression. Each piece tells a story,and we hope visitors will take the time to explore the intricate details and innovative techniques employed by the artists.
Archyde: Simon,many of the artists featured in this exhibition are widely acclaimed internationally but relatively unknown in the United States. can you tell us more about the selection process and how you chose which artists and works to include?
SJB: I approached the selection process meticulously, seeking a diverse range of materials, techniques, and artistic qualities. Working closely with Maki, we visited numerous artists in Japan, met many others, and looked at a vast amount of art. Ultimately, we decided to feature many artists rather than focus on a few key figures, allowing visitors to discover the rich variety of Japanese book art for themselves.
Archyde: Maki,as someone deeply connected to Japanese cultural traditions,what do you hope visitors will take away from this exhibition?
MA: I hope visitors will leave the exhibition with a newfound appreciation for the artistry,creativity,and cultural meaning of Japanese book art. By witnessing the beauty and craftsmanship of these unique works, I believe visitors will develop a deeper understanding of Japanese artistic traditions and the role of the book as an expressive and captivating art form.
Archyde: Thank you both for taking the time to share your insights and for bringing this unbelievable exhibition to SVMA. “Book Becoming Art” promises to be a captivating experience for all who attend.
SJB: Thank you for having us. We’re thrilled to share this remarkable art form with the Sonoma Valley community and beyond.
MA: It’s been an honor working on this project, and we’re excited to share the fruits of our labor with art enthusiasts.
Archyde: Be sure to catch “Book Becoming Art” at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, running through Sunday, April 27th. don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the art of Japanese artists’ books!
