Autopsy of a Book

Old World, Brian Dettmer“Why don’t you go cut up some old books?” is not something you often hear your parents or teachers say, is it? But maybe they should if this is the result. And they say there is nothing new under the sun. How incredible are these sculptures literally cut from old books by artist Brian Dettmer? The intricacy of every delicate incision and the patience required for every slice defies my imagination. How does Dettmer do it? I would go mad!

Modern Painters, Brian Dettmer

In his own words:

In this work I begin with an existing book and seal its edges, creating an enclosed vessel full of unearthed potential. I cut into the surface of the book and dissect through it from the front. I work with knives, tweezers and surgical tools to carve one page at a time, exposing each layer while cutting around ideas and images of interest. Nothing inside the books is relocated or implanted, only removed. Images and ideas are revealed to expose alternate histories and memories. My work is a collaboration with the existing material and its past creators and the completed pieces expose new relationships of the book’s internal elements exactly where they have been since their original conception.

Read Dettmer’s full statement here.