A new exhibition showcasing the eclectic world of independent publishing, from exquisite handmade artist books to radical low-fi zines, Self-made: zines and artist books will be on display at the State Library Victoria from 11 August 2017.
Developed in partnership with The Sticky Institute, Self-made will display rarely-seen material from the Library’s collection of artist books and its zine collection – the largest and most comprehensive in Australia.
Exhibition curator Monica Syrette said Self-made will take visitors on a journey through the colourful and sometimes controversial evolution of self-publishing. “The history of zine-making and self-publishing is inextricably linked to influential counter-cultural movements and social activism,” said Ms Syrette.
“What we’re displaying – items like sci-fi zines from the 1940s, punk zines from the seventies and contemporary feminist zines – are all reflections of the political and cultural movements of the time. The artist books in Self-made were also ground-breaking, designed to circumvent the commercial gallery system and make art easily available to all.”
The exhibition features works by leading international artists including Swiss German artist, Dieter Roth; Pop Art influenced American artist, Ed Ruscha; pioneering conceptual artist Sol LeWitt; and renowned Australian painter, sculptor and printmaker, Robert Jacks; alongside works by contemporary artists and zine-makers.
More than 170 works will be on display, including a dedicated reading lounge, revealing the breadth and beauty of artist books and zines. Self-made: zines and artist books will be on display until 12 November 2017 and will tour Victoria and interstate in 2018.
Self made: zines and artist books
State Library Victoria, Swanston Street, Melbourne
Exhibition: 11 August – 12 November 2017
Free admission
For more information, visit: www.slv.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: A selection of zines – courtesy of State Library Victoria