Regenerate, 2019

An exhibition titled Regenerate! Contemporary Book Arts in Hawai’i, at Donkey Mill Art Center. An exhibition curated by Minny Lee.

In a contemporary epoch characterized by the proliferation of multimedia platforms, the traditional conception of books as mere repositories for textual symbols has undergone a radical transformation. Today, the field of book arts has evolved into a multidisciplinary domain that interrogates not only the form and structure of the book but also its conceptual underpinnings, the dialogic interplay between text and image, and the phenomenological experience of page-turning within the dimensions of time and spatiality. This continual re-examination has led to the metamorphosis of the conventional book into an array of avant-garde formats, including but not limited to conceptual books, performance books, concrete books, sculptural books, illustrative books, assemblage books, art object books, found books, comic books, design books, photography books, and altered books.

"REGENERATE!" is an expansive survey exhibition showcasing the burgeoning landscape of contemporary book arts in Hawaiʻi. The exhibit features contributions from over thirty artists, each employing a diverse array of mediums and binding techniques, thereby enriching the artistic tapestry of this specialized field. The works in "REGENERATE!" delve into many thematic explorations, ranging from the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world to familial histories and personal narratives deeply rooted in the Hawaiian archipelago. Furthermore, the exhibition provides a platform for articulating racial and cultural identities and the diverse cultures and voices from the Pacific region.

In addition to thematic richness, these works engage in a complex semiotic dialogue, interrogating the power dynamics inherent in words and symbols. Many of the pieces showcased in the exhibition defy traditional categorizations, blurring the demarcations between textual and visual art forms. They engage in interweaving and interference, challenging established literary and artistic norms. Each individual work serves as a critical intervention that disrupts conventional forms and expands the ontological and epistemological potentialities of the book as both an object and a concept.

This comprehensive exhibition aims to contribute to the academic and public discourse surrounding the evolving nature of book arts, thereby fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the transformative power of this dynamic medium.

Installation images: by Minny Lee