Publishing as Practice: Hardworking Goodlooking, Martine Syms/Dominica, Bidoun

This book explores Publishing as Practice, a residency at Ulises that activates the space as an exhibition and programming hub, engaging the public through workshops, discussions, and projects. Three publishers, including Hardworking Goodlooking, Dominica, and Bidoun, participated in the residency, exploring politics in publishing through their respective practices. The book features a preface by David Senior, an essay by Gee Wesley, and Ulises Carrións 1975 publishing manifesto.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2021
Publisher: Inventory Press LLC

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of Publishing as Practice, a groundbreaking residency program hosted by Ulises, a curatorial platform situated in Philadelphia. Through a span of two years, three dynamic publishers took on the role of activating Ulises as a vibrant exhibition space and a hub for public programming, engaging the community through a series of workshops, discussions, and innovative projects. The participating publishers included Hardworking Goodlooking, the esteemed publishing arm of The Office of Culture and Design, a Philippines-based social practice platform. Dominica, an imprint under the direction of Martine Syms, aimed to explore the profound and multifaceted concept of Blackness as a subject, a reference, a marker, and a vibrant audience within the realm of visual culture. Additionally, Bidoun, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting art and culture from the Middle East and its diasporas, joined the residency.

The book offers a rich tapestry of content, commencing with a preface penned by David Senior, a renowned art critic and curator. This preface provides valuable insights into the historical context and significance of publishing as an artistic medium. Following this, an essay by Gee Wesley delves into the contemporary landscape of publishing, exploring the innovative approaches and strategies employed by these publishers. Additionally, the book includes a seminal publication from Ulises Carrións, titled "The New Art of Making Books," which serves as a guiding manifesto for contemporary bookmaking practices.

To complement the textual content, the book provides comprehensive documentation of the diverse range of works produced during the residency. This includes photographs, illustrations, and design sketches, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the visual aesthetics and artistic vision of the participating publishers.

Overall, Publishing as Practice: Activating Ulises as an Exhibition Space and Public Programming Hub is a testament to the power of publishing as a catalyst for artistic expression, cultural exploration, and social engagement. Through the collaborative efforts of these three publishers and the support of Ulises, the residency has fostered a vibrant community and showcased the endless possibilities of publishing in the 21st century.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 201 x 262 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781941753408