Kunst als Buch. Sammlung Lucius

Exhibition at the Württemberg State Library

"Where language fails, the image begins" (Günther Uecker)

First and foremost, books contain letters and a book can be understood by reading and thinking about it. This applies to most of the works in the Württemberg State Library in Stuttgart and is hardly worth mentioning. However, the exhibition shows that some books do not take this approach or go far beyond it. Pages are not necessarily printed with letters - they can also be worked with prints, nails, foils or aluminum.
From the 1950s onwards in particular, the secondary work "book" developed into an independent genre of fine art. Prior to this, the book was already a place for illustrations to texts or offered original graphics as a livre d'artiste. Today, however, the artist's book stands for itself - and expands the repertoire of the visual arts as well as our view of the medium.
The exhibits include works by German artists from the 1960s to the 1990s. The focus is on Günther Uecker and Horst Antes, who both created numerous artists' books and represent important artistic trends of the post-war period. The works on display come from the collection of Wulf D. and Akka von Lucius, who have been collecting specially designed books for more than half a century.
"Art as a Book" invites visitors to discover the fascinating phenomenon of the artist's book. Why do painters, sculptors and installation artists choose books? The exhibition makes it possible to experience how diverse and innovative visual artists use the book as a form of expression. And allows us to see books with new eyes: as independent works of art that inspire amazement and reflection.