19 Oct 2011

BIBLIOTHEKA a public library at studio 75, London

Come and pull up a chair and spend a day reading in the library! This is less an exhibition than a reading room, or a looking-space for artist books. In this age of the digital download, kindle and apps, the physical experience of the book is more vital than ever. Evoking a pre-Gutenberg spirit, these artist bookmakers present a library created by hand. Manz's handmade, highly textured books, and Tanbouli's hand-drawn inked books, evoke senses of great freedom and playfulness, moving between abstract and figurative, allowing chance to play a big role in what happens in the making.

While skilled in many media, Valentin's earliest memories are of making figures in his father's ceramics studio in Bavaria. Valentin graduated from Central Saint Martin's before completing an MA Scenography at the Slade and a Masters in Art Psychotherapy from Goldsmiths. He works as an art therapist for Kids Company in London. http://gallery.me.com/valentin.manz

Nazir Tanbouli is an Egyptian-born artist working in drawing, painting and mural art, in projects that encompass book art, exhibitions and films. He made his BFA in Alexandria University and MA at Camberwell. He has exhibited in London and around the UK as well as Egypt, and participated in biennials and shows worldwide. http://www.nazirtanbouli.com