Self-made: zines and artists books : Punk, politics and art on show in new exhibition at State Library Victoria
Self-made is a new exhibition showcasing the eclectic world of independent publishing, from exquisite handmade artist books to radical low-fi zines, opening at State Library Victoria on 11 August 2017.Developed in partnership with 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. 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 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 is at the State Library Victoria from 11 August to 12 November 2017, and will then tour to the Mildura Arts Centre, Murray Bridge Regional Gallery, New England Regional Art Museum, Tweed Regional Gallery, Toowoomba Regional Gallery, and Latrobe Regional Gallery through 2018 and 2019.