VyŽyvanka Book
Hand-bound, self-illustrated printed edition explores the idea of the project, explaining the concept, the historical background and developing the idea of the geometric ornament in the book layout. It contains the results of a yearly research into the semiotics of the geometric symbols on the example of the traditional Belarusian embroidered towels.
The main language of the project is counted cross-stitch (traditional for the Belarusian ceremonial towel). The layout for the printed edition was also based on the idea of the cross of a unit minuscule in size and yet most significant in meaning. Uneven text blocks evoke associations with hand-woven rough linen canvas traditionally used for the ceremonial towels.
There are two kinds of illustrations in the book. The introductory ones serve as separators of chapters from each other and echo the artist’s book. From the first to the last page the reader can witness slow development of the geometric symbol signifying family (a matter most important for many Belarusians). Apart from the above, there are “forgotten elements” of the times and people gone.
The book has two parallel texts: the English and Belarusian one or the English and Dutch one. The two texts have been given different levels of hierarchy. Superficially, the English text is the main one, yet by specifically devised techniques, the reader is directed to the actual leader of the two, the Belarusian or Dutch text respectively.
The linen fabric of the traditional ceremonial towel jumps out of the artist’s book onto the cover, and the open spine underlining the idea of transience, as if layers of the past are looking into the present through the time-beaten cloth.
VyŽyvanka book edition is limited by 50 copies which are made to order. You can order you copy simply by contacting me. There is also always a copy available to purchase right away in the exhibitions I take part in.