Adel Abdessemed
Exhibition catalogue
publishing
Context
Previous publications on the work of Adel Abdessemed have often been more of an artist's book than a work of reference. With this in mind, the emphasis here was on creating a classic, elegant and documented exhibition catalogue containing several texts critiquing the work.
Client
Pompidou Centre
Fields of expertise
#Events #Arts&Culture #PageLayout #Publishing #Print
Divisions
Who is Adel Abdessemed?
Born in Constantine, Algeria, in 1971, Adel Abdessemed has become a leading figure on the contemporary art scene. His works, photographs, drawings, videos, performances and sculptures, often seen as provocative (to the point where threats lead to the monographic exhibition dedicated to him at the San Francisco Art Institute in 2008 being closed down just days after it opened), are more complex than they initially appear.
The objects, places and both everyday and extraordinary events on which he focuses, the pavement in front of his Parisian studio where he works with skeletons, lions and magic, and Zidane's headbutt, frozen in a 5m-high bronze statue, turn into powerful, haunting and monumental images.
148's contribution
The Pompidou Centre entrusted 148 with the task of coordinating the editorial aspects of the project, including the iconographic research into comparative works. Working closely with the curator of the exhibition, the artist and the team at the David Zwirner gallery that represents him, the content and execution of the book have been organised to make it more than just a catalogue - more like a multi-faceted vision of Abdessemed's budding work. A very 'wise' typeface, a single-column layout... Elegance has certainly been the watchword where this graphics project is concerned. A system of cross-references in the text, meanwhile, allows the reader to explore the richness of the catalogue and to compare Abdessemed's work with potential sources of inspiration. (details of page 104 and pages 34-35)
