Summing up the subject
Over the course of this subject I have engaged with a variety of readings, resources and media that has both strengthened and challenged my understanding, knowledge and definitions of ‘art’ and ‘book’ and how they intersect. Looking back at my first definition of ‘bookness’, I now harbour a much more expansive, complex, and fluid definition of ‘book’. Learning about the history of books, exploring pre-codex forms, various methods, materials and craftsmanship of book-making and range of typefaces and text instilled me with a greater appreciation for the printed book which is both a simple and sophisticated piece of technology. I also thoroughly enjoyed the practical aspect of book-making interludes in the subject as it helped me better grasp the technical processes used for different types of book production.
Participating in forum discussions allowed me to glean more nuances in exploring the sometimes murky lines between art and books. The discussion of whether medieval manuscripts could be considered art highlighted how context, time and place are key factors in how we collectively agree upon cultural definitions of art and what purposes are served by both art and books. Artist’s books further complicated the intersection of art and books as they placed emphasis on the intention of the artist and the conceptual aspects of a book which was a departure from traditions and conventions of bookmaking that we had explored earlier in the subject. Many contemporary examples of artist’s books were particularly subversive, embodying the intersecting qualities of ‘art’ and ‘book’ simultaneously while transcending both definitions.
I deeply engaged with the dynamic relationships between image and text, particularly in the form of graphic novels which I thoroughly enjoyed doing as an avid reader of comics. I drew parallels between how the writer and illustrator of a comic book must collaborate in a similar manner to that of medieval manuscripts and reflected on how the synergy of text and image to convey narrative and meaning is also historical. I also meditated on the creative relationship that exists between co-authors of a graphic novel and how that impacts the interdependence and harmony of image and text in constructing a comic.
This subject has demonstrated how new technologies affect the cultural zeitgeist of books, narratives and reading which is perpetually shaping our definitions of ‘book’ and ‘art’. The digital age is often confounding and nerve-wrecking as we engage in discourse of whether printed books and publishers will become obsolete. However, when we look deeper, it becomes apparent that the digital age has presented many opportunities for new modes of story-telling including hypertext fiction, interactive modes, e-audiobooks and e-books that are catering to a wide variety of reader needs and preferences without necessarily acting as a substitute for printed books. Although, it is yet to be discerned how new generations will approach ‘books’ given that their lives are increasingly tech-mediated.
Overall I found this subject highly stimulating and informative. I also felt that it extended opportunities for me to explore library collections and situate the relationship of art and books within a library and information context that has informed my professional knowledge and mindset as a future librarian.