Curated by Yaelle S. Amir

Required Reading: Printed Material as Agent of Intervention presents fifteen projects that range from published books and correspondence to performance and video documentation, and are meant to challenge a political or social issue. The works in this exhibition demonstrate the ability of printed materials to act as symbols of ideologies and beliefs. They are used by the participating artists as social agents—intervening in public space to expose an audience to new opportunities and alternative concepts. In a culture where visual noise is inescapable, printed matter provides an opportunity to pause, grasp, ruminate, and pass along. We use it to educate ourselves and others, to create a gash in a stagnant situation, articulate a new context, and imagine our society as it can and should be.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue with essays by Yaelle Amir and Howard Zinn.

Included Artists/Projects:

Amy Balkin AREA Chicago (Samuel Barnett, Euan Hague, Jayne Hileman, Dave Pabelllon, Daniel Tucker, and Rebecca Zorach) Yevgeniy Fiks Pablo Helguera Marisa Jahn (REV-) with Street Vendor Project of the Urban Justice Center Packard Jennings Jen Kennedy and Liz Linden Steve Lambert and Andy Bichlbaum of The Yes Men (with 30 writers, 50 advisors, 1,000 volunteer distributors, CODEPINK, May First/People Link, Evil Twin, Improv Everywhere, and Not An Alternative) Lize Mogel with Mara Cherkasky, John Cloud, and Ryan Shepardt Queerocracy and Carlos Motta Occupied Newspapers (The Boston Occupier, The Occupied Times of London, The Occupied Oakland Tribune, Occupy Pittsburgh Now, and The Occupied Wall Street Journal) Sheryl Oring Dread Scott S.W.A.M.P. (Matt Kenyon with Doug Easterly) Temporary Services, Tamms Year Ten and Sarah Ross

More events!

If you can’t make it to the opening, there are several events being held in conjunction with the exhibition. Would love to see you there!

Wednesday, October 17, 6:30pm: Artists Jen Kennedy and Liz Linden will be hosting Publishing Open Mic in conjunction with their project pilot press… on view in the exhibition. This event welcomes those who wish to present their feminist publications to new audiences, as well as anyone who wants to learn more about the variety of such works being made today. Any artist or writer who wishes to present their work at this event is encouraged to bring their artist’s book to the Center for Book Arts. The first 10 people to email [email protected] will be given 5 minutes to discuss their work with an audience of other artists, writers, curators and pilot press… published authors. There is no selection process, other than first-come first- served via email. Those who do not wish to speak about their work that night are still encouraged to participate by publishing their work in the pilot press… imprint or just attending the Open Mic (no RSVP necessary to attend).

Wednesday, November 7, 6:30pm: The Center for Book Arts will host a panel discussion on the use of printed material as a symbol of ideology and belief, and a way with which to intervene in society. Participants: Yevgeniy Fiks (artist), Marisa Jahn (artist), Lize Mogel (artist), Dan Schneider (Managing Editor, The Boston Occupier). Moderated by Yaelle S. Amir.