Illuminations IV
Cairo, Egypt: Islam Aly, 2021. Hardcover. Number 16 of 30 variant copies. "'Illuminations IV’ takes viewers on a journey through the intricate patterns and designs found in illuminated manuscripts. The book features a floral design in which the patterns increase and decrease in size from each side of the book, offering a new perspective and visual experience with every turn of the page and creating a sense of movement that echoes the delicate beauty of the floral patterns themselves. This layout makes sense of direction and depth, drawing the viewer in and inviting them to explore the intricate details of the patterns" (Islam Aly).
Islam Aly is an Egyptian-born book artist and teacher. His books explore the possibilities of historical bindings in contemporary book art practices They have appeared in international exhibitions in the United States and abroad, and in private and public collections including the New York Public Library, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Library of Chile, Yale University, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina. In an artist's statement he writes: "When I make a historical book structure, I go through a learning process. I learn the history as well as the different physical aspects of the binding such as how a book form is constructed in a specific sequence. I learn about the use of different materials such as paper, wood, leather and dyes. I learn to make choices in selecting and replacing traditional materials that I don’t have access to. I use these different experiences to enhance my work in making artists’ books and to use historical and cultural references from these structures in the actual content. In essence, I wish to explore new ways to use the rich structures of historical books in contemporary artists’ book practice and incorporate contemporary content into strictly historical structures."
Coptic bound in laser engraved wooden boards featuring a botanic design and title to boards. The interior is illustrated with laser-cut botanical designs on hand made brown and cream papers. Yellow leather strap wraps around book to hold closed.In fine condition. Unpaginated. Size: 3 x 4 x 1.5 inches. ARTB/061324. Fine.
Item #37309
Price: $700.00