E-readers, Steve Jobs, and Google’s stamina to conquer E-books will never defeat the independent publisher. The physicality of turning a page and seeing something on paper is just too damn sensuous to be made extinct. If you love your publications, you simply must try to get along to MISS READ in Berlin this weekend.
MISS READ is celebrating a very specific kind of publication– artistic books. More than 40 independent international publishers and artists will be at the KW Institute for Contemporary Art in Berlin to present a selection of their graphic heavy compilations and to offer up a nice little programme of free events including some lectures and performances.
From the London based AMC books photography books to the illustrations of New York’s Ugly Duckling Presse, artistic publishing will be plentiful. Imaginations should open up upon veering away from the static layout of a newspaper, a classic novel, or a trashy chic magazine to see an artist’s take on how the blank pages should be filled.
Alongside the events at the KW, Motto bookstore and Chert gallery will host Unter dem Motto – another publication display ranging from home-printed zines to publications by established institutions. The home-printed zine is something that I have not seen too much of outside of Berlin’s bars and galleries and it seems fitting that these little publications should be represented in this public setting.
So I guess maybe em…start a new chapter…turn over a new page…em…be the book worm I know you are… judge a book by its cover…and learn something about the wonderful art of publishing!
Fri 3-Sun 5 September, MISS READ, KW Institute for Contemporary Art
