Between Two Strangers

posted by Amber Weaver April 16, 2018

An interesting topic of discussion that we’ve discovered is the work of Katie Karr, a New Zealand-based graphic designers who’s who’s interests falls in considering graphic design as an artistic endeavour. Her practice revolves around the creation of experimental paperback books which sit somewhere in a paradoxical dimension of the abstract and the rational. In opposition to the ‘print is dead’ argument, she believes that books take on an important role in the postdigital context — the physical object creates methods of distribution that disrupts the digital echochamber, where analytics are lessening our chances of discovering something unexpected.

Karr cofounded GLORIA Publishing Collective with Berlinbased photographer Alice Connew. A platform where they explore the realms of design through creating artist made books with a production approach that considers a book as a complete process; from concept to print. The artist is heavily involved in every step, producing objects that are a full expression of their intentions.

Their most recent project is titled ‘Between Two Strangers’ published by GLORIA. This publication explores the correlation between migration and artistic practice. The book contains stories, essays and interviews from twelve artists and writers sourced internationally, each offering a distinct perspective on the challenges of migrating as an artist; and the consequent effect of relocation on their practice.

Katie offered her thoughts on the project:

I approached the project as an opportunity to explore the full arch of bookmaking from a single perspective — from conception and research to collecting and writing content, to curating and editing, to design and production, and finally distribution and promotion. In terms of the design, I see the creation of a book as an artform, and therefore the physical components of the book are equally important as the content.

Her next book projects are set to be even better than to this one, and we can’t wait to see it when it’s finished.