October 6 to November 6, 2023
The exhibition curated by Poncho Martínez and María Lucas gathers the work of 10 artists specialized in the book and bookbinding arts.
participating: Carla Busquets, Hélène Genvrin, Roxana Vargas, Pilar Álvarez, Marc Gascón, Simona Galbiati, Lidia Moreno, Vinka Grbic, Poncho Martínez and Àngels Arroyo.
With this proposal we want to show you a selection of artist books created by former students of the Bookbinding Cycle of the Escuela Lonja de Barcelona, a meeting place for students from different promotions, origins and creative routes. The importance of preserving this artistic craft is manifested through the various professional, artistic and educational paths that each of us has followed. We want to emphasize the need to provide an environment that highlights the works, going beyond the virtuality of the digital world. This exhibition invites us to contemplate the books without any artifice, focusing exclusively on their essence and materiality.
Poncho Martínez
When I approached the task of writing this text for this exhibition, I came up with an extensive list of ideas and words that, from my pedagogical and professional experience, I consider crucial for quality artistic bookbinding: perseverance, experience, professionalism, love for the craft, technical skill, artistic expression, respect for tradition, innovation, continuity, creativity, freedom, discipline, patience, critical thinking, problem-solving ability, taste, criteria, ideas, self-criticism, satisfaction and camaraderie. All these words are as then planted over many years and have given rise to the wonderful works that we have the opportunity to enjoy in this exhibition.
Maria Lucas
Professor of the Bookbinding Cycle at the Lonja School / Barcelona
