For centuries, the intricacies of bookbinding were meant to vanish beneath covers, leaving behind only a seamless reading experience. Singaporean artist Adelene Koh challenges this norm, making the construction of books the centerpiece of her art. Her piece “Endless,” a finalist for the 2026 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, exemplifies this by turning a traditionally hidden endband into a striking, looping sculpture. Koh’s work invites viewers to explore the anatomy of books, usually concealed beneath leather and cloth.
Revealing the hidden mechanics of books
Bookbinding historically demanded invisibility. Within every book lies a complex system: folded sections, sewing stations, cords, adhesives, and endbands working harmoniously. Traditionally, excellence in binding meant making this complexity invisible. Today, artists are reversing that logic by showcasing these elements as visual narratives. French bookbinder Benjamin Elbel, with his project “Bookbinding Out of the Box,” exposes these structures, focusing on movement and simplicity over decoration.
Thread becomes sculpture
Thread, often the humble workhorse of bookbinding, takes center stage in contemporary designs. Artists like Adelene Koh transform endbands and stitches into sculptural features, altering perception and function. In her work, thread spirals and interweaves, drawing attention to the book’s spine and structure, which would usually remain hidden. This approach resonates with many modern bookbinders, who celebrate the visible traces of craftsmanship.
From a sculptural rendition to invisible mechanics, explore how paper transforms into fantastical sculptures that offer a new perspective on traditional forms.
Folding the book into new forms
Folding techniques are also reimagined, leading books to open and function in innovative ways. American artist Hedi Kyle has pioneered several of these designs, including the widely recognized Flag Book and Blizzard Book, redefining how readers interact with the text. Kyle’s work inspires new generations of artists to treat movement as a fundamental design tool, as seen in Japanese artist Ryoko Adachi’s works that mimic natural formations.
Beyond preservation
Contemporary artists are shifting the focus from protection to expression. Italian calligrapher Mónica Dengo merges writing and binding, allowing calligraphy and structure to evolve together. In New York, Sarah Smith integrates digital design with handcraft, creating unique editions that bridge the gap between traditional and modern techniques. In their hands, bindings are not just protectors but integral parts of the art.
Adding to the conversation on innovative design, vintage book art by Stephanie Kilgast will transport you to a miniature wonderland of creativity and detail.
While bookbinding remains a niche practice, it offers boundless potential for creativity. Modern binders experiment with materials like fish skin, vellum, and metal, transforming sewing structures into visible elements. Each handcrafted volume poses the question: how much can a book change while still being recognizable as one? These artists suggest that there’s endless potential waiting to be explored.
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
How does Adelene Koh reinvent bookbinding?
Adelene Koh challenges traditional bookbinding by making the construction of books the centerpiece of her art. Her piece ‘Endless’ turns a traditionally hidden endband into a striking, looping sculpture, inviting viewers to explore the book’s anatomy.
What is unique about modern bookbinding techniques?
Modern bookbinding techniques showcase structural elements as visual narratives, rather than concealing them as in traditional practices. Artists like Adelene Koh and Benjamin Elbel expose these structures, focusing on movement and simplicity over decoration.
How is thread used differently in contemporary bookbinding?
In contemporary bookbinding, thread is transformed into sculptural features, drawing attention to the book’s spine and structure, which would usually remain hidden. This approach allows artists to celebrate the visible traces of craftsmanship.