McGrath Lecture by Veronika Schapers at Smith College tomorrow, Wed October 31

[Barbara Blumenthal]

     Here's a reminder about two opportunities to meet with book artist Veronika Schäpers at Smith on Wednesday, October 31st:

1) An informal talk and a close look at her work, from 3-4 pm, in the Special Collections classroom in Young Library, Room 201.

2) She will present the annual McGrath Lecture at 4:30 in the Alumnae House conference room on Elm Street. Reception to follow Veronika's talk.

ABOUT VERONIKA:

Veronika Schäpers is a German book artist who lived in Japan for 15 years. Japanese culture and aesthetics have fascinated and influenced her ever since, leaving marks in almost all of her projects. In her talk she will explain her conceptual way of making artist books and also show a selection of her books that are part of Smith College’s Mortimer Rare Book Collection.

Veronika’s creative use of materials is what first attracts us to her work. Plastic, acrylic, latex, felt, wood, oil, and vintage tissue are unusual substrates in modern bookmaking. Her exquisite craftsmanship is matched with subtle humor, commenting on the ways and means in which we struggle with various realities. Using current events as a springboard for inspiration, she works on projects that resonate long after the first viewing. Whether she’s producing a book about pension fraud, giant squid, or questioning university entrance exams, her conception and design cross edges, create tension, and build narrative.