The Cleveland Museum of Art presents DIY. Photographers & Books an exhibition on view August 11–December 30, 2012 in the museum’sPhotography Gallery.
Gomorrah Girl (2nd edition), 2011. Valerio Spada (Italian, b. 1972). 40 pages + 40 pages, 8.9 x 13.1 in + 9.4 x 8.3 in. Cross Editions, November 2011
A new golden age of the photobook has dawned, thanks to digital printing technology and web-based distribution services that allow rapid, inexpensive production of books in quantities from one copy to thousands. This exhibition is the first museum show to focus on the impact of print-on-demand publishing on contemporary photographic practice. Instead of images on the wall, the room will be dominated by a long table where a visual banquet of more than 75 photobooks will await the visitor. Several examples of historic and unique books will be in cases, but for most of the volumes, touching, reading, and re-reading will be encouraged. The books will be by regional, national, and international artists. Plans include a computer station where visitors can try their own hand at producing a photobook. This exhibition honors the 60th anniversary of Aperture magazine and press. – www.clevelandart.org
