Explore the exhibit’s works by visiting The Artists above.

Artists’ Books are works of art that take the form of a book. Usually created as one-of-a-kind art objects, or sometimes published in a very limited edition, these works explode the conventionalities of what a book is and can be.

Arising out of the avant-garde art moments of the 20th century, the purposes and presentations of artists' book are as infinitely varied as the personalities of the artists that make them.

The current exhibition features artists’ books created by artists from Asheville and surrounding areas at different points in their careers. Some have been constructing artists’ books for many years, others are experimenting for the first time with this mode of art. The works in the current exhibition range from simple “low-fi” staple-bound works that capture the spontaneous flash of inspiration, to more deliberate artifacts constructed over weeks, months, and, sometimes, even years; from works that lure one into an underground world of non-sense and absurdity, to works that demand a sharp critique of assumed political and cultural realities. We hope you enjoy! 

The exhibition runs from March 17 - April 16, 2023 at Downtown Books & News, located on funky Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville. Downtown Books & News is an absolute must-visit for any lover of books. Opening its doors in 1988, Downtown Books & News is stocked full of used and rare books, local art, and a wild array of zines.

For more on Downtown Books & News check them out on instagram or visit them on the web.