Although artists have illustrated the words of others for centuries, the book as art object is relatively recent, and the Smithsonian Libraries has a rich, diverse collection of artist-made books from the early 20th century to today.

Feb 20, 2024 · Artist’s books are as they might sound – books made specifically as works of art. While they might sound simple, in reality they are some of the most complex and varied artworks you might encounter, ranging from one-off, sculptural artworks to cheaply printed multiples.

Artists' books (or book arts or book objects) are works of art that take the form of a book. They are often published in small editions, though they are sometimes produced as one-of-a-kind objects. [1]

Artists incorporate typography, papermaking, paper engineering, bookmaking, design, fine art, graphics, creative writing, and digital media into their book works. Artists’ books have been an important part of the Library and Research Center since the museum’s beginnings.

Jun 1, 2012 · The simple answer to someone not familiar with artists’ books might be: art in book form. But they are not quite so simple… An artist’s book is a medium of artistic expression that uses the form or function of “book” as inspiration.

Mar 8, 2024 · In this article, I will explore a history of artists’ books, detail some contemporary artists who champion this medium, provide two tutorials for books you can bind at home, and share some advice on choosing a sketchbook to transform into your own artists’ book.

Artists’ books exist at the intersections of printmaking, photography, poetry, experimental narrative, visual arts, graphic design, and publishing. They have made a place for themselves in the collections of museums, libraries, and private collectors.

May 14, 2021 · From the pop-out to the cut-out, the sculptural to the radical, ArtWeb journeys through the world of this niche medium, discovering the artists who have championed it and the legacy it endures today. Where did the artist’s book originate?

Jan 16, 2025 · While the term “artist book” is a contemporary one, artists, writers, and publishers have been blurring the boundaries between the written word and visual art for centuries. This list below is by no means exhaustive, but it highlights a handful of historical precedents leading to the artists’ books of today.

Jan 16, 2025 · At the most basic level, an artist book is a work of art in the form of a book or inspired by the idea of a book. Some book artists create small handcrafted editions that employ bookbinding, paper cutting and folding techniques to create a canvas on which they can then print, draw, write, or paint, while others make books that are mass-produced ...