What is the relationship between publishing and art? A publication is usually considered the final point of an artistic process: a document of what has been done, a sort of a portable archive and a reminder of a long period of research and inquiry, rather than being the subject of a research process itself. Nevertheless, artistic activity tied to the form of a book has been developing for more than half a century, with a resilient and ever-expanding niche of artists and publishing houses exploring the printed medium. Roma Publications, founded by graphic designer Roger Willems and artist Mark Manders in 1998, has been a part of this world for the past sixteen years and a new exhibition, which opened this Saturday at Fondazione Giuliani, narrates its complex and intriguing oeuvre.
“Roma Publications 1998-2014”, curated by Lorenzo Benedetti and Roger Willems, aims to present the form of the book as an extended media that can involve the exhibition space, evolving from a communication tool to an authentic form of artistic practice. Presenting more than 230 books and editions from the publishing house’s rich catalogue, the exhibition showcases artists who have contributed to the fading of the distinction between paper and space, image and material, original and reproduction (the print run of Roma Publications’ issues varies between 2 and 150.000 copies). Books, newspapers, posters and other printed matter are combined with artworks and installations relating to the publisher’s identity inside an exhibition dimension. The informal way of bringing art and publications together in a carefully composed exhibition gives clear insight into the working process of Roma Publications, which is based on a collaborative relationship to the artists.
“Roma Publications 1998-2014” runs until December 13th 2014 at Fondazione Giuliani in Rome.
Rujana Rebernjak
