Inkubator: an exhibition of artists' books and multiples

The presentation of artist's books and multiples to the public is a challenge to the artist, the curator and the gallery audience. This includes the handling of the physical object, the storage of the artefact and the effectiveness of communicating the Artist's intent. Research has involved examining the current state of the Artists Book, and addressing the above dilemmas collaborative through themed exhibitions and Artists' Book Fairs and more recently through curating the exhibition 'Inkubator'. This exhibition included 227 pieces from more than 50 different international and national artists, particularly focussing on intellectual, symbolic and representational themes, and presenting these in designated 'room' area installations, intensifying the tactilty and ambience of the reading experience, through conceptually devised interior surroundings and furnishings. Exploiting the extremely positive response to the exhibition from both critic and viewer, the next stage of the project is to tour the 'book' pieces and the spaces, adapting to the particular venue and incorporating additional work from practitioners whose practice in some way complements the area or the exhibition themes.