BMB CON, #11 Shhhhh, Den Haag: Stroom, Netherlands, 2009, ed. 1000

This is a curious accordion publication that I found in the 'sale' section at the book store in the Walker Art Center, Minneapolis. On the inside flap BMB con, is described as being "...founded by Justin Bennett, Roelf Toxopeus and Wikke't Hooft in 1989. Since 2006 BMB con. consists of a core duo working together with a changing group in invited artists/performers." The BMB con periodical appears to have taken different shapes over the years including audiocassettes, mini cds and regular cds. This particular issue would seem to be an anomaly with its printed matter format. 

One side of this well-produced accordion is taken up with color photos of what look like sound producing instruments accompanied with instruments for recording sound. The back is made up of texts with recurring themes of sound, music, performative instructions, and tucked into all this text the real giveaway piece that situates all these pieces within one of the larger themes of the piece a take-off of Cage's well known work, "4'33" ticking away Atlas Sirius Eslipicales, Inlets (faithfully blub bulb)."  For more info about this interesting project see: bmbcon.org

Single pages 9" x 6.5", all 16 pages fully extended 8' 8".

Michael Peven, Cradle of Civilization, Fayetteville: Primitive Press, 1993 [2nd edition, 2011]

This lively accordion has stood on my mantlepiece for a number of weeks now and it still holds its own after all this time. Essentially one long print folded at particular key spots, the different types of imagery and assorted texts work well in combination with the profusion of color to thoroughly discredit the idea and activity of war. One-sided with single pages 4.5" (w) x 8" (h), and with its 14 pages opened up its 5ft 3inches long.

John Held Jr., Pictures of scenic spots in Tokyo, n/d

The title on the book's outer covering is "Pictures of scenic spots in Tokyo." 

Inside on the the cover of the accordion is "Eighteen favorite Kabuki pieces." The book is made up of 18 small screen printed images of Kabuki actors all representing roles in a famous set of 18 of the best kabuki plays (Kabuki Juhachiban). 

Turning to the back of the accordion a whole new story is revealed. From the dedication on the inside page of the book we can see that Nancy Frank, a bay area artist and organizer gifted this book to John Held Jr., in 2014. In 2015, John Held in turn dedicated it to me knowing of my passion for accordion publications! But John has added a new twist to the accordion as he's stamped all the empty backs of the pages with rubber stamp images from his archive, creating a cool rubber stamp panorama. Individual pages 3" (h) x 1.75" (w). At 20 pages when this book is unfolded it's 2" 11".

Rory Golden, Cuchara/Cuchio/Finito, Ink and gouache on Rives, Palmadoca Press: New York, 2004

There's a real sense of spontaneity and immediacy to this one-of-a-kind accordion. The Spanish words spells out "spoon - knife - done".  Individual pages 3.75"(h) x 2.75"(w). 8 pages and one-sided, unfolded 22.25".

Anne Corr, Travelling to Jnana via Byzantium, Nottingham, UK, nd

A curious little publication with a Sanskrit title that is "a term for 'knowledge' in Indian religions and Hindu and Buddhist philosophy" (wikipedia). This book combines texts from illustrious authors such as Tagore, D.H. Lawrence and the Bhagavadgita with medieval imagery and hot air balloons. Individual pages 3.5" (h) x 3" (w). 10 pages, opened up 13.75".

Wellington Sun, Psycho Killers and R.I.P., no dates

Two dark little accordions taken up with celebrity and fame of two quite distinctive types. Single pages 3.25" x 2". Fully extended—Psycho Killers: 15.5" and R.I.P. 11.75"

On this back of this accordion book are the names and grisly statistics of each of these celluloid psycho-killers. 

Alexandra Beguez, Alien Raver, Tea Party, 2013 [ed. 36]

"Alien Raver", Beguez's alter ego, sits at the end of the table in this mad hatter's tea party accompanied by the March Hare and Sleepy the Dormouse. Each page 3x3" and fully extended 1ft 6".

Alexandra Beguez, Alien Raver: Mushrooms, screen print, 2013 [ed. 36]

Alexandra Beguez's alter ego, Alien Raver, consumes Caterpillar magical mushrooms, and "One side will make your grow taller, and the other side will make you grow shorter." Pages 3x3" and fully extended 1ft 6".