Building upon a profound legacy of artistic collaboration, legendary printer and publisher Gerhard Steidl — named “the printer the world’s best photographers trust most” by The New Yorker — returns to Singapore to unveil Steidl Book Culture. Magic on Paper at Shop–House by DECK. This muchanticipated exhibition celebrates printed matter through the works of three renowned artists: Dayanita Singh (India), Jim Dine (USA) and Theseus Chan (Singapore), who respond to the analogue foundations of Steidl’s philosophy, engaging deeply with the tactile and contemplative craft at the heart of bookmaking.
Made possible through the generous collaboration with Goethe-Institut Singapore, Steidl Book Culture. Magic on Paper further affirms the spirit of international collaboration in artistic exchange between cultures and cities.
Framed around the concept of an “exhibition within the exhibition”, Gerhard Steidl has invited the three artists to present new works celebrating the beauty, durability, and cultural significance of analogue media. The showcase will feature a wall of books by offset artist Dayanita Singh, a site-specific drawing installation by book artist Theseus Chan, and an installation by the prolific visual artist Jim Dine that combines word and image, rendered in ink and paint.
Visitors can also expect a pop-up “Steidl Bookshop”, designed as an integral part of the exhibition experience which provides opportunity to leaf through and take home Steidl’s coveted books, from the latest releases to rare finds.
The experience continues with the Steidl Cinema featuring titles including the award-winning How to Make a Book With Steidl and How to Make a Book with Carlos Saura & Steidl. These films offer an insight into the world of book publishing at Steidl in Göttingen, Germany, revealing the intricate dialogue between artist and publisher and demystifying the journey from initial concept to finished book.
The 11-week-long exhibition will be accompanied by a series of public programmes, including a fireside talk with Gerhard Steidl and visiting artists, a photobook review session, book-binding workshop and classroom visits. These events aim to foster greater engagement with the photographic and printed arts and nurture an appreciation for the printed medium among new generations of learners.
