Artists Books - Outside of a Dog

“Outside of a dog a book is man ’s best friend. Inside of a dog it ’s too dark to read.” Groucho Marx This exhibition presents a diverse overview of books created by artists from 1950 to the present, shown alongside a selection of related artworks. The exhibition in BALTIC’s Level 2 art space, includes older books, borrowed from individuals and institutions, generally exhibited under glass, while new books still in print will be available for handling. The exhibition is guest curated by Clive Phillpot. The publications are selected by a group of invited artists, critics, historians, curators and collectors from around the world. Individuals who have made selections include Simon Cutts, Skuta Helgasson, Hansjörg Mayer, Joan Lyons, Maurizio Nannucci, Harry Ruhé, Jan Voss, Lawrence Weiner and Mami Yoshimoto. Several of these individuals have been asked to select different sections of the show throughout its duration. Displays of books, including photographic, video and digital material are exhibited alongside unique books and related artworks, including works by Alec Finlay, David Hammons, John Latham, Helgi Thorgils Fridjonsson, Marijke van Warmerdam and Lawrence Weiner. For the first three weeks of this exhibition, until Sunday 19 October, BALTIC artist-in-residence Alec Finlay has created a Reading Room in his studio space, presenting seven books published by Morning Star and BALTIC. These include artist books, collaborations and anthologies created during his residency. Artists’ Books therefore takes on a flexible formation, undergoing substitutions and alterations and incorporating additions over the course of its life. The launch of this exhibition coincides with an introductory opening of BALTIC’S Library, from Saturday 27 September – Sunday 19 October, during gallery opening hours. This resource, a new but steadily growing collection with a strong emphasis on BALTIC activities, aims to work alongside artists and the public to digitally record and store material for future research.

Artists Books - Outside of a Dog
Paperbacks and Other Books by Artists

artists:
David Hammons, John Latham, Helgi Thorgils Fridjonsson, Marijke van Warmerdam, Lawrence Weiner

curator:
Clive Phillpot