Self-made: Zines and Artist Books

11th August – 12th November, 2017
Blue Rotunda, Cowen Gallery
State Library Victoria

In light of Sticky Institute’s zine fair, Tonerpalooza, returning to State Library Victoria on the 23rd and 24th of September, there is time to have a look at our zines and related artists' books in the Blue Rotunda, as part of Self-made: Zines and Artist Books.

From a copy of A company of parrots on the reading shelf to A Deck of Salvaged Relatives (2015) in a display case alongside their costumed pocket-sized counterparts, we were delighted to see our work in such handsome company in the library earlier this week. In their costumes from the Ballet Russe, papered and crumpled, embroidered and stained, we couldn’t have been happier. (In your chosen attire, dragging your crinoline skirt, can you still dance the syncopated tarantella with the necessary speed?)

The exhibition runs until the 12th of November, 2017, before touring, so if you are near, carve a chance, duck in, read, and be made lighter. Time for such things should always, always be made. It’s good for every part of your person, no matter how long you can spare.

Louise and I will be at Tonerpalooza on the Sunday with a stall full of new and existing titles, including Seasonal museum sketches (autumn), which was released into the wild at the Ballarat International Foto Biennale last weekend. (Two fairs in the one month! Who’d have thought?)

Tonerpalooza II is taking place in the Red Rotunda, Cowen Gallery to accompany the exhibition Self-made: zines and artist books (in the Blue Rotunda, Cowen Gallery). We would love to see you there.

10am–4pm
Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th of September, 2017
Red Rotunda, Cowen Gallery
State Library Victoria

Gracia Haby & Louise Jennison
A Deck of Salvaged Relatives
2015
Artists’ book, unique state, featuring 26 individual collages on carte de visite with pencil and paint additions (by Gracia Haby) with 26 accompanying lino print title cards, housed in a red cloth Solander box (bound by Louise Jennison) with inlaid collages

‘Self-made: Zines and Artist Books: An amazing new exhibition, showcasing the eclectic world of independent publishing, from exquisite handmade artist books to radical low-fi zines’, Elle Murrell, Design Files, 10th August, 2017

‘Never mind the bloggers: An exhibition at the State Library of Victoria captures a spirit of rebellion’, Ray Edgar, Sydney Morning Herald, 11th August, 2017

‘Looped opens in the dome: The Dome was already one of the most beautiful rooms in Melbourne and now it’s even more so’, State Library Victoria blog, 7th August, 2017

Image credit: Gracia Haby and Louise Jennison, A Deck of Salvaged Relatives (detail), 2015, artists’ book