In October 2017, after an invitation to participate in the Project “LivrObjeto [Book-object] – Anatomy and Architecture “, the Art Library prepared an bibliographic exhibition that intends to put forward and divulge some specimens of its artist’s books collection.

Inspired by the interest and love dedicated to art books by Calouste Gulbenkian, the Art Library began its artist’s books collection in the 1990s. Since then, this collection has grown and currently comprises more than 500 specimens, with an extensive and varied representation of works by contemporary Portuguese artists. In this collection there are both, unique or multiple works, of different formats, materials and sizes: handcrafted books by artists using manual techniques; books-object, frequently unique pieces or very limited editions; books edited by small publishers that operate outside the mainstream market.

This project is based on the approach, expressed by Inês Correia, mentor of the “LivrObjeto-Anatomy and Architecture”, in which the «book-object is created or altered by the enhanced vision of visual and other creative artists». The exhibition will be open to the public until January 2018 and takes place on the exterior atrium of the 01 floor, at the Art Library entrance. During the first phase of the exhibition, between October 3 and November 13, along with some artist’s books of the Art library collection, an artist’s book by Irene Buarque will also be on display. This work is simultaneously a book and a sculpture, entitled Ventura e Desventura de uma janela objeto [Adventure and misfortunes of a window-object] (2017). Starting at November 15 in the place of Irene Buarque’s book, there will be the Livro de viagem [Travel book] (1984-1985), artist’s book-sculpture created by Carlos Nogueira (b. 1947).