28 Letters

Cedar Falls IA: Islam Aly, 2013. Fine. Number 38 of 40 copies. Islam Aly is an Egyptian-born book artist and teacher based in Iowa. His books explore the possibilities of historical bindings in contemporary book art practices They have appeared in international exhibitions in the United States and abroad, and in private and public collections including the New York Public Library, the Special Collections Library at the University of Alabama, the National Library of Chile, the University of Iowa Special Collections, and Bibliotheca Alexandrina. In an artist's statement he writes: "When I make a historical book structure, I go through a learning process. I learn the history as well as the different physical aspects of the binding such as how a book form is constructed in a specific sequence. I learn about the use of different materials such as paper, wood, leather and dyes. I learn to make choices in selecting and replacing traditional materials that I don’t have access to. I use these different experiences to enhance my work in making artists’ books and to use historical and cultural references from these structures in the actual content. In essence, I wish to explore new ways to use the rich structures of historical books in contemporary artists’ book practice and incorporate contemporary content into strictly historical structures." This beautiful work displays the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet. Each letter is laser-cut in light brown handmade flax paper. It is an accordion structure, which allows the viewer to explore and interact with the letters. It is bound in a three hole pamphlet binding using orange linen thread with handmade stiff paper covers. The front cover has a cut out to show the title in English and Arabic. Measures 5 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches and is 40 inches when extended. (40" extended), In fine condition. ARTB/070725. (Inventory #: 38103)