Thinking-the book in dream, 2006. terra cotta, plaster. 165×70×60cm. Tokyo Metropolitan Art MuseumClose your eyes, hold on tight and away we go. Check out the "Thinking" set of sculptures from Japanese artist Hiroko Kono. Each ceramic goddess, with their eyes closed, exudes a dreamy confidence.detailThinking-to the memory- 2006 terra cotta37x39x32cm /SOFINA Kao CorporationClearly the book is the impetus for reflection and there are points where her hands disappear into the books. The book has become part of her.Thinking...and so onThinking ...and so on, 2005 Terra cotta,Plaster body-size and bust-sizeand here are a couple of bonus images of two other wood sculptures by Kono. Unfortunately, could...
Words outside: The Work of Jim Sanborn
A Comma, A, 2004. Copper, international language texts, light, black granite paving inlay6'x26'x80. Plaza in front of the new library, University of Houston, Houston, TXJim Sanborn's sculptures grace the landscapes of a number of universities, museums and government buildings. From outside the C.I.A. headquarters in Langley, VA to the front entrance of the University of Houston library Sanborn's works entice the passerby to engage.Rippawam, 1999. Rolled copper, Native American texts with English translationSize: 6'x26'x4'. University of Connecticut, Stamford, CTWhether it is his series of lighted installations that have featured Native American, Latin and "international language" texts splattered all over the surrounding space or his series of...
George Herms, Joseph Conrad and The Librarian
The Librarian, 1960. Assemblage: wood box, papers, books, loving cup, and painted stool57 x 63 x 21 in. (144.8 x 160 x 53.3 cm)George Herms emerged from the heart of the Beat Generation to become one of the founding artists of the California Assemblage movement. Three years after assembling his first piece or "junk sculpture" he began a series of works based on real people and places.One of the first pieces in the series and now considered one of his most important was The Librarian. During a visit to the local library in Larkspur, California where Herms lived for a...
The Biblio Universe of Adam Bateman
In Adam Bateman's world books are the structural foundation. Whether he is building walls, spheres or stacks the book is his cornerstone. Adam Bateman, The Fourth Thousand Years, books, 2011In the Artist Statement from one of his past shows, Bateman says:"The primary structure of my sculptures is the text of the books, the secondary structure is the form made of books. In that way, the books actually work as signifiers (like words) and so the structured arrangement I make with them is analogous to writing."Drawing heavily from the Minimalists Bateman believes in "art as language" and luckily for us books are...
Book Art on Parade in Iowa City
Chicago had its Cows on Parade, Seattle had its Pigs on Parade now Iowa City will soon unveil Book Art on Parade.To celebrate it being named by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) as the third City of Literature in the world, and the only one in the United States, in 2008, Johnson County, Iowa created Book Marks.Book Marks is a public art project that will feature over 60 book-themed statues, each 5-feet by 3 1/2-feet, that will be displayed throughout the county from June through October. As with similar "parades" each sculpture has a sponsor and after...