Book as an object Tzu Ning Chiang (Viola Chiang)

Book as an object | Tzu Ning Chiang (Viola Chiang)

Innovatively exploring the multifaceted nature of books beyond their conventional role as vessels of text, Chiang invites viewers to reconsider how books are read, felt, and interacted with.

Inspired by her photography of a Venetian boat repair process, Chiang connects the craft of bookmaking with the intricate work of restoring a boat. The exhibition highlights the concept of the book as both an object and a dynamic medium - something that exists between the readable and unreadable. Influenced by the works of Bruno Munari, a key figure in the development of artist books, Chiang examines how books can be more than just readable content; they can be poetic spaces, installations, performances, and reflections of personal experience.

Chiang’s exploration includes books as diverse forms - objects of art, accessories, and even as maps or gardens. The exhibition invites visitors to engage with books not only as sources of information but as experiences that challenge how we perceive and interact with the world around us, while simultaneouslyencouraging dialogue about books as transformative objects that transcend their conventional uses.

Artist Biography:

Tzu Ning Chiang (Viola Chiang) was born in Taipei, Taiwan, lives and works in Venice, Italy. She is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice employs a variety of media. She graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia and has undertaken the Erasmus programs in National Academy of Art of Sofia in Bulgaria and Luca School of arts in Brussels, Belgium. Artist residencies in Atelier Austmarka, KH Messen in Norway and Frans Masereel Centrum in Belgium.

Chiang is interested in discussing between time and human interactions with the environment to connect printmaking with artist books, publications. Her works exhibited in Italy, Ireland, UK, Greece, Switzerland, Norway, Austria, Sweden, Bulgaria, Belgium, Serbia, and the Netherlands.

From 2022 she started her personal Studio Violatipia in Fondamenta San Giacomo 212/C 30133 Giudecca Redentore, Venice, Italy as a small self-publisher to make books and publications to discuss book as an object, book not only for reading, also like an art work.