Maria Mosevic, The Noctural Activities of the Mole, Sarsaparel, Czech Republic, 2013

I guess you could call this rather intriguing children's accordion book a carnet de voyage (travel notebook). Unfortunately, I have no further information about this work or its Czech artist author and the strange underground world she has depicted here.

8 double-sided pages, individually 5.5" x 8.5" and when unfolded 5ft 8"

reverse side

back cover

Peter and Maria Hoey, No Wave Girls, Coin-Op Comics, 2024, ed. 80

Coin-Op Comics is a brother and sister team with Maria based in New York and Peter in California. This silk-screened book subtitled "NYC/1979" is dedicated to the "11 women that created the music and the scene. Anya Phillips, Adele Bertei, Beth B., Nancy Arlen, Ikue Mori, Pat Place, Lizzy Mercier Descloux, Sally Young, Jacqui Ham, Nina Canal, and Lydia Lunch. [Source photo credit for Arlen, Mori, and Lunch: Julia Gorton]".

6 single-sided pages, individually 7.5" x 5.5", and when unfolded 2ft 9"

back cover

Stephen Hilger, In the Alley, Purple Martin Press, New York, 2023

cover

A really nicely produced publication that comes with a booklet containing an essay by Matthew Specktor and a transcription of an interview between James Welling and Stephen Hilger. The book is comprised of two-page spreads of individual photographs that were taken in the alleys and alleyways of Los Angeles. The photographs have a kind of random feel in both their subject matter and style of framing and the book itself feels like an anthropological survey with the photographs providing the slightly dour documentary evidence.

In the booklet's interview with Hilger he reveals something of the unanticipated manner in which this project had its beginnings and how it evolved.

"I made photographs in the alleys only after photographing in my aging grandmother’s house for many years. I created a portrait of her through the subtle changes visible in the rooms of her house and garden. When she passed away, I lost the motivation to photograph inside her home. So I went out the back gate and found myself in the alley. I started walking up and down alleys, photographing as an act of mourning. It took me some time to realize that in doing this I was looking at something more systemic and sociological—controlled spaces designed for the security and maintenance of the wealthy."

46 single-sided pages, individually 6.75" x 9.5", and when unfolded 36ft 5"

pocket with essay and interview on left, and front page of work

back cover

Lauren Emertiz, Corita Rules!, Abstract Orange, Washington DC, 2022

This work was inspired by the life and work of Corita Kent (1918-1986) who was an artist, designer, educator, former religious sister and fighter for social justice. This letterpress accordion with its exhortations to move forward and persist, comes with a subtle subtext printed across its pages that reads "Power Up" in homage to Sister Corita's 1965 series of the same name. 

8 single-sided pages, individually 7" x 5.25", and when unfolded 3ft 6"

inside back cover signature

back cover

Goshuincho book, Japan, nd

                      

I've only recently discovered the rich world of Japanese pilgrimage stamp books! Many Japanese shrines offer visitors and pilgrims stamps (goshuin) that are handwritten or stamped by monks directly into your accordion stamp book (goshuincho). Obviously, there's a lot more to it than that so here's a good source for finding out more: What is a Goshuin? All about traditional Japanese shrine seals | Stripes Okinawa

22 single-sided pages, individually 7" x 4.5", and unfolded 8ft 3"

only 13 pages of this goshuincho's 22 pages have stamps on them

Suki Chan, Imagine-Space Above Our Heads, 2006

the two accordion books with sleeve

These two accordions were published by this Brit artist during a residency with the Osteopathic Centre for Children in Manchester, England. As part of the residency, Chan with the help of local school children and volunteers, created 1000 origami birds. Chan writes in the booklet "An old Japanese tradition tells you that if you make 1,000 origami birds, your wish will be granted. A little girl wished for world peace and began making paper birds everyday. Unfortunately this young girl, a victim of Hiroshima suffered terminal illness. The target was eventually reached by those around the world who were touched by the little girl's story." This accordion includes a photograph of the birds installed (I assume), in the building housing the offices of the Osteopathic Centre.

For more information about his interesting artist see: Suki Chan 

Both accordions: 8 double-side pages, individual pages 4.75" x 4", and when unfolded 2ft 8".

Imagine - Space Above Our Heads, 2006

reverse side

__________________________________________

Imagine - Space Above Our Heads, 2006

the origami birds in situ

reverse side