Dorte Bistrup

My entry to this year’s exhibition at the Ojai Valley Museum is a bit unconventional in that it is an art book that cannot be opened to see its pages. I’ve thought a lot about this idea of displaying something that cannot be completely seen. I like the curiosity, trust and surprise that may come from the viewer, especially if she takes the extra step to see the pages which are displayed here. The book’s front and back cover is from a vintage Japanese ledger. Its pages are made from mat board. The binding is waxed linen. The “stand” is made from a vintage wooden office tray with USN stamped on it. The rusty thingamajig that holds the book and the “hat” are from my collection of rusty thingamajigs. The book can be displayed closed or open, allowing for a change of what is seen.

I love books! I love to make books, alter books, read books, and display books. Bookstores, libraries and neighborhood little libraries pulled me to them like a magnet. Displayed here are two of my older art books and two that I am currently working on. The new ones have pages that are torn, collaged with antique papers and images, and stamped and painted. Each page is a piece of art that is different from the next. And what am I reading right now? “On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder.