Artists' Books

Artists’ Books Collection

Started in 1981, the college’s collection of artists' books is a teaching collection of over 1,400. These books date back from the 1960s to the present. Most of the books were created by well-known artists, but also from less-familiar professional artists who have turned to the book form, or concept, for artistic expression and experimentation. The collection also includes books made by CIA students.

The collection also includes some commercial reproductions of unique books as well as some mail art. All of the books in the collection are listed in the library’s online catalog. Browse through CIA’s Artist Book collection.

Click here for a guide on making your own artists' book.

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The artists' books collection is broadly defined and includes books made by artists, created outside of the publishing mainstream:

• Artists' books: created by artists not usually associated with bookmaking (such as video and film makers, photographers, and performance artists), as an alternative to traditional means of producing and exhibiting art and with the intent to make art accessible and affordable for all.
• Book objects and bookworks: often one-of-a-kind or limited edition books, usually emphasizing the physical aspects of the book form or structure and sometimes taking on a sculptural quality.
• Fine press books: made by craftspeople using traditional materials and techniques, printed by independently owned and operated presses, and with an emphasis on traditional book arts (printing, papermaking, binding, etc.).
• Alternative and small press publications: use cheaper and more accessible technologies (mimeograph, offset, and photocopier), tend to be motivated by advocacy (rather than craft), and are more often produced by writers rather than visual artists.