Kickstarter

I’m making a limited edition book titled, “World of Books,” for the exhibition "An Inventory of Al-Mutanabbi Street," which will be presented in universities, libraries and art centers around the world.

My book, “World of Books,” contains 50 photographs of book shelves, sent to me by friends and colleagues from around the world. Each image is a personal essay on the special role played by books and reading in our lives. The powerful cumulative effect of page after page of these personal book shelves is a reminder that we are perpetually thirsty for knowledge and the freedom to pursue it. My book pays homage to all people who cherish the free exchange of information.

About the exhibition: The Al-Mutanabbi Street Coalition is sponsoring this project as both a commemoration and a lament for the booksellers street in Baghdad, where many were killed and wounded in a bombing in 2007, effectively destroying the heart and soul of Iraq’s literary community. I am one of 220 artists selected to exhibit. Each participating artist is donating three copies of their book; two will circulate in international exhibitions, and a third will be donated to the Iraq National Library.  Link to coalition here

 "World of Books” will be produced in an edition of 4. These volumes will be works of art with 50 photographs digitally printed on folded folios of heavy weight archival paper and a map of the world indicating the location of each photograph. The books will measure 9" x 7", will be about an inch thick, and command an impressive presence due to the hand binding in the Coptic stitch and unique covers with the title embossed in gold. 

What the money is for

The money will pay for the digital formatting necessary to bring the book to press, for the archival paper and printing of an edition of 4, approximately $500 per copy. The funds will also help pay for the cost of producing and shipping the digital prints and other rewards offered for your donations. The 4th copy of the book is available for a $1,000 donation.