Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Niki de Saint Phalle (1930-2002), Museum Boymans-van Beuningen, Rotterdam, 1976

There's a special place in my heart for Niki de Saint Phalle. A long time ago I became entranced with her accordion book "My Love" (1971), which takes as its subject the arc of a romantic relationship. It was this accordion book that sparked my interest in the accordion format and provided the impetus for me to start this blog, and the rest is history! 

This charming accordion catalogue, designed by Saint Phalle and accompanied by her own handwriting, describes two of her built environments for children. The first one was created in Belgium and takes the shape of a monster. The second one called "Golemn" was her first environment for children and was built in Jerusalem (1971). The book includes a catalogue essay in Dutch, and an exhibition checklist. The whole thing is a treat!

34 pages, each 5.75" (h) x 4" (w), and when fully extended 11' 4".








Dinosaurs, Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2013

This is a really fun and educational 3D accordion for kids (and some grown-ups!), with beautiful illustrations by the KJA artists illustration agency, and "paper engineering" pop-outs by Gus Clarke. I don't really know what else to say about this visual delight and expertly conceived accordion book, but its selling on Amazon for around $10, so get one for you and the kids!

13 pages, double-sided, individual pages 4.25" (h) x 4" (w), and when fully extended 5'.




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