Steven ten Thije, Charles Esche, Victor Sonna

Victor Sonna: 152

Book coverVictor Sonna: 152
Book coverVictor Sonna: 152
Book coverVictor Sonna: 152
Book coverVictor Sonna: 152

This exhibition catalogue was presented – as has often been the case in recent years – not preceding, but during the exhibition and contains images from the exhibition itself. When the exhibition had to close owing to the coronavirus measures, this book took on the role of replacement.

Even though the book as a whole is designed on the basis of a clear, European principle, it does in our opinion do justice to the diversity of the topic of slavery. For all its simplicity, the images have been well edited and the book makes a layered impression. Only after you have picked your way through it does the relatively simple repetition of visual subjects come into focus. The typography on the other hand does not quite do the job it should in this respect, as the type area is a little too wide.

The cover is rather formal and perhaps a touch too architectural or graphical. In any event, it does not necessarily reflect the feel of the interior. Here the choice was clearly prompted – in a perhaps rather nerdy way – by a concrete, conceptual choice, as the number 152 was the starting point for the artistic research and both the book and the exhibition are based around this number. In all honesty, we found this an attractive aspect.

The really excellent, clear lithography and printing open up the many works in dark colours in great detail and present them in all their glory. Equally exceptional is the fact that, in times of corona, a book can serve with dignity as a teaser, or trailer.

Edition: 2020
Date of publication: December 2020
Language: English, Dutch
Translator: UvA Talen|Vertalers
Final editor: Steven ten Thije, Victor Sonna; Relinde Ter Borg, Hannah Vollam (text editors)
Artist: Victor Sonna
Publisher: Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven
Available through: Bookshop, webshop
Graphic designer: Bardhi Haliti (Amsterdam)
Lithographer: Marc Gijzen, Voorburg
Printer: NPN Drukkkers, Breda
Binder: Patist, Den Dolder
Size book block (w x h x d in mm): 210 x 297 x 16
Number of pages: 244
Print run: 1000
Price: € 27.50
ISBN: 9789082902938
Font and foundry: Univers (Linotype)
Binding style: Patabind with flaps; hot melt gluing
Paper for interior (grammage): 100gsm Muskat Brown, 100gsm Munken Print White, 100gsm Gmund Colors Transparent 50, 100gsm Maxi Gloss, Igepa, Antalis, Papurus
Material cover (grammage): 270gsm Curious Matter Andina Grey, Antalis
Special features: Five sections have a wrap of transparent paper; front cover with elevated blind embossing, back cover with depressed blind embossing; interior printed in CMYK, cover in black. Printing: LED-UV