Ulises Carrion: Bookworks and Beyond

Ulises Carrión (1941–1989) was a Mexican artist and writer who challenged the boundaries between visual arts, literature, music, and performance. This book presents a comprehensive account of his life and work, highlighting his transformation of the book into a material, semiotic, and social platform. It includes an evocative selection of his artists books, artworks, and ephemera from Princeton University Library, with original scholarly and literary essays that engage with his own mixture of scholarly and creative work. The exhibition will be held at Princeton University Library from February 21 to June 13, 2024.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 06 February 2024
Publisher: Princeton University Press

Ulises Carrión, a remarkable artist and writer of the 20th century, emerged as a pivotal figure in the second half of the century. As part of a generation that pushed the boundaries between visual arts, literature, music, and performance, Carrión explored a diverse range of media, including artist books, sound poetry, performance art, mail art, video art, theoretical writing, and exhibitions. His profound influence continues to inspire a new generation of artists, art historians, and cultural practitioners worldwide.

Born in Mexico in 1941, Carrión's artistic journey began in his homeland. However, driven by his desire for artistic freedom and a more inclusive environment, he left Mexico in the late 1960s to pursue his studies in literature in Europe. It was in Amsterdam, a progressive city that embraced diversity and individuality, that Carrión found a home. In 1972, he settled in Amsterdam, where he could openly express his homosexuality and connect with a community of like-minded artists.

One of Carrión's most significant contributions was the founding of Other Books & So in 1975. This groundbreaking bookstore-gallery became a hub for showcasing and promoting artistic experiments taking place in Amsterdam and beyond. It played a crucial role a role in nurturing the avant-garde art scene and fostering international collaborations.

Ulises Carrión: Bookworks and Beyond is a comprehensive and captivating exploration of Carrión's life and work. The book offers a rich visual narrative, featuring an evocative and representative selection of the artist's books, artworks, and ephemera, many of which are housed in Princeton University Library, which boasts one of the largest collections of his work in North America. The book is organized into three sections: "The Book as Material," "The Book as Semiotic," and "The Book as Social Platform."

In the first section, "The Book as Material," Carrión delves into the physical and material aspects of the book, exploring its form, structure, and materiality. He examines how the book can be transformed into a sculptural object, a performative medium, and a site for experimentation. Carrión's innovative approach to bookmaking challenged traditional notions of the book as a static and inert object, instead emphasizing its potential for transformation and mobility.

The second section, "The Book as Semiotic," explores the symbolic and linguistic aspects of the book. Carrión examines how the book can be used as a tool for communication, storytelling, and meaning-making. He explores the relationship between language, image, and the book and how the book can be used to create new forms of language and meaning. Carrión's work in sound poetry and performance art demonstrates his ability to manipulate language and create new sonic landscapes that challenge conventional understandings of language and communication.

The third section, "The Book as Social," examines the social and political implications of the book. Carrión explores how the book can be used as a platform for activism, social change, and cultural critique. He examines how the book can be used to challenge dominant narratives, promote alternative perspectives, and create spaces for marginalized voices. Carrión's work in mail art and video art, particularly his series "The Book as a Weapon," highlights his commitment to using the book as a tool for political and social commentary.

Throughout Ulises Carrión: Bookworks and Beyond, original scholarly and literary essays by leading experts in the field provide insights into Carrión's life and work. These essays engage with Carrión's own mixture of scholarly and creative work, reflecting on his contributions to the art world and his impact on contemporary culture.

In conclusion, Ulises Carrión's life and work are a testament to his unwavering commitment to artistic exploration and innovation. Through his diverse range of media and his innovative approach to the book, Carrión transformed conventional understandings of the book as a material, semiotic, and social platform. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of artists, art historians, and cultural practitioners, reminding us of the power of art to challenge boundaries, redefine our perceptions of the world, and create a more inclusive and vibrant society.

Weight: 816g
Dimension: 192 x 257 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691973890