You’d be forgiven for thinking that the pages of a book merely hold the words of a story. In fact, there’s been a recent surge in creating an entirely new bookish medium: the physical paper is now being used to create striking images. Whether it’s vandalism or imaginative beauty is what we’re here to debate!
It seems that physical books are becoming increasingly marginalised in the face of the digital format. So, giving books a new lease of life as works of art: does this help or hinder their plight? Does it make people see the multiple possibilities in a hardcover or does it underscore their growing irrelevance?
If a book has fallen apart, surely it’s better to make use of the pages? Ex-library books, well-thumbed books, books that have been passed from generation to generation - this all gives them a new purpose, surely? If the binding is broken or the glue faded, aren’t they redundant? This way, they can be admired as a new art form! Or, even if the book is still perfectly readable, what’s wrong in creating something new from the pages? Let’s face it, some of those pieces are visually stunning.
Cons:
It may just be too destructive for some book lovers. What is the necessity or purpose in it? What is useful about a vintage book cover serving as a clutch bag?! Books should be admired and appreciated no matter what their condition is. If a book is still readable, then it should be read as the author and publisher intended, not cut up.
Want to read a passionate con list? Check out this Buzzfeed article before you make up your mind: http://www.buzzfeed.com/alannaokun/book-crafts-oh-no
If a perfectly good first edition was butchered for fashion or vanity purposes (for example, to make a clutch bag), I’d be outraged. GIVE ME THE COPIES INSTEAD. If it was something relatively modern and abundant, like Harry Potter or The Hunger Games, would I be so quick to point the finger? Admittedly, no. Maybe I’m ageist as well as sizeist.
I’ve experienced the heart-breaking devastation of a beloved book literally falling apart. I read it so much that the book cover disintegrated and pages fell out of the back. If I could have given it to somebody and asked them to make me a quirky bit of jewellery or a small arty piece, would I have done it? Yes.
If a book is prolific in charity shops (I’m looking at you The Book Thief), does that make it more acceptable to experiment artistically because it’s easy to get hold of other copies? So many questions and things to consider!
What do you think of the images? Would you ever consider turning your books into works of art?