DABF24 Talk: NIVAL presents 'Books that don’t fit'

One of the most common questions that artists encounter when they approach the book form is: what is an artist's book? Are there limits to observe, or conditions that 'break' the idea of what is acceptable as a book? What should artists consider in terms of production, price and distribution methods when creating a work? Or should these factors play a part at all in the rebellious world of experimental book-making? This talk will look at how practical aspects of designing making, selling, and displaying an artist book are woven into the overall concept of the work.

The National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL) is an initiative of NCAD in partnership with the Arts Council of Ireland. Since 1997, NIVAL has become the foremost centre for the documentation of contemporary art and design in Ireland and holds arguably the largest public-access artist book collection in Ireland. Assistant Manager, Ruth Hallinan, has spent fifteen years working in Irish publishing. She was named as one of the 150 most influential people in publishing by The Bookseller in 2021 and 2022.

Dublin Art Book Fair (DABF) is a centre for contemporary artist books offering unique artist publications and titles from creative, small and independent publishers, both Irish and international.
DABF24 is proudly sponsored by Henry J Lyons and supported by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature.

Host or Publisher Temple Bar Gallery + Studios