Art & Project is a very complete document that proves its worth, whether taking us by the hand or sending us off on a voyage of discovery. This literally hefty, sizeable object exudes a weightiness and seriousness that does justice to its content: the rich history of the Art & Project gallery, made up of thirty years of bulletins, exhibitions and networking. This book itself houses a collection of which you will never tire.
Its weight and format lend this work an exciting aspect; a tome of this heft has the capacity to not open up, but simply to be an imposing tome. However, in this case the large indentations of the thumb index, carved into the block, and the cover that freely unfolds to reveal an infographic, sufficiently undermine this impression to also make the book inviting – or at the very least intriguing.
It is only after spending time leafing through the book that we find out that the thumb index and infographic have a function, alongside being intriguing. That, once you are familiar with the book, they facilitate navigation. The calm typography, together with a unique, clear reference system, guide us as we criss-cross through the book. If you can muster the required dedication, huge riches will be revealed.
In terms of production, it is impressive how well the cover connects to the thick, Swiss-bound book block, which with its linen spine falls open very nicely. The richly foil-embossed cover does not offer anything new to the eye but, in combination with the transparent, high-gloss foil and the black dates, it exudes clarity.