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ARTISTS BOOKS IN AUSTRALIA: The People+Events

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In July the artists book symposium ABBE 2025 took place at Artspace Mackay. A key theme of this event was the ‘mapping Australia’s artists book histories’ and in the extended brief for the conference there was the lament that while artists books in Australia had been broad and active there was a scant record of the history the discipline.

Reference was made to the understated history of the two main texts Gary Catalano’s The Bandaged Image (1983) and Alex Selenitsch’s NGA published Australian Artists Books 2008, conferences such as those coordinated by Artspace Mackay, many unpublished PhD thesis and the ‘valiant attempts by journals’ that burn out after a few years.

‘Bring your stories, your artifacts, and your memories’ they said so I put forward a submission consisting of aspects of the visual record that I have been making over 22 years of the artists book scene. My submission was to be an illustrated presentation consisting of approximately 200 portraits of the people of the artists book discipline as well as a few events.

Here is my submission rationale:

AN ARTISTS BOOK FAMILY ALBUM – A ‘paper’ by Dr Doug Spowart

“A family’s photograph album is generally about the extended family

and, often, is all that remains of it.”

Susan Sontag in On Photography 1977

Family archives are a profound thread connecting past, present, and future, serving as repositories of memory, identity, and history.

Photography is more than just a medium for capturing pictures—it is a lens through which we view and understand history. Its ability to document, provoke, and preserve moments in time has made it an indispensable tool for both personal and collective memory.

In this way photographs hold the power to evoke vivid recollections, introducing us to lost relatives and forgotten stories while anchoring us within a broader familial narrative. Yet, the fragility of these archives is striking — images tucked away on devices or in drawers risk being lost to time, their stories untold.

The passing of key family members often deepens this void, as context and meaning tied to people and events can vanish. Establishing and preserving a family archive becomes not just an act of personal curation but a legacy-building effort, ensuring that these visual fragments of memory remain accessible to future generations.

In an era where countless photos are taken but rarely saved, the challenge lies in collecting and annotating these fleeting moments. A taking them into lasting archives for some to have as a touchtone for memory, and for others to review and research. Maybe to tell the story for future eyes and minds of the books that were made, what events happened and who was there…

This paper will present an illustrated fragment of photographs of the artists book family taken by the author over a 20 years period.

Dr Doug Spowart

This submission was accepted, and the presentation offered to attendees of the symposium, and later online as a movie via the Artspace website.

A LINK TO THE YOUTUBE VIDEO ON DOUG SPOWART’s Channel: “CLICK IMAGE”

For BEST viewing quality select HD quality in the SETTINGS menu. NOTE: The full video is 12 minutes long.

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PRESENTER’S COMMENT from Doug Spowart

In curating these photographs I have focussed on selecting images from the broad artists book community and have not included many photographs from my collaborative practice with Victoria Cooper.

Every attempt has been made to ensure correct captions – Please advise of any errors or omissions. Thanks to Caren Florance, Helen Cole, Robert Heather and Adele Outteridge for their assistance with captions.

Victoria and I have provided commentary about the artists book and photobook disciplines for many years in our Blog, journals, events coordinated and lecture presentations.

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All photographs are Copyright Doug Spowart (Some by Victoria Cooper). The subject pictured, after contacting the copyright owner, may be able to use the portrait of themselves for non-commercial applications. Other usage may require negotiation of a fee.

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WHAT FOLLOWS IS A LIST OF ALL CAPTIONS IN THE VIDEO

MABF 2017 National Gallery of Victoria

Deanna Hitti and Deidre Brollo @ MABF 2017 National Gallery of Victoria

‘Life’s Journey’ exhibition @ Redland Art Gallery, Cleveland 2012

Julie Barratt in her gallery at Alstonville 2011

Dianne Longley in her exhibition ‘Navigations’ at Barrett Galleries 2008

Tim Mosely in his exhibition Make Like An Eskimo 2012

grahame galleries opening of Lessons in History Vol. II – Democracy 2012

Heather Matthew and Stephen Spurrier @ grahame galleries opening of Lessons in History Vol. II – Democracy 2012

Monica Oppen and Jan Davis @ grahame galleries opening of Lessons in History Vol. II – Democracy 2012

Volume Art Book Fair, Artspace, Woolloomooloo, Sydney 2017

Helen Cole chairs presentations by Keith Smith and Scott McCarney State Library of Queensland 2012

Siganto Seminar: The Trouble with Artists’ Books SLQ 2013

Helen Cole –Siganto Seminar: The Trouble with Artists’ Books SLQ 2013

Noreen Graeme and Jan Davis – Siganto Seminar: The Trouble with Artists’ Books SLQ 2013

Hearsay book launch with Euan Mcleod, Ron McBurnie, Susi Muddiman & Lloyd Jones SLQ 2013

Jo Kambourian at Artists Books Flash Mob Survey Book event Grafton 2013

Catherine McCue Boes Books as art: 30 years in the making Bundaberg Regional Gallery 2014

George Paton Gallery, Artist’s Books (reprised) University of Melbourne 2014

International speaker Sarah Bodman presents a paper – Abbe 2015 Griffith University

International speaker Brad Freeman – Abbe 2015 Griffith University

Lyn Ashby – Abbe 2015 Griffith University

Convener Tim Mosely presenting – Abbe 2015 Griffith University

Books By Artists exhibition – Abbe 2015 Griffith University

Sue Anderson + Gwen Harrison Abbe 2015 Griffith University

Deidre Brollo with Christene Drewe + Helen Cole and Marian Crawford with Sarah Bodman

Abbe 2015 Griffith University

Penny Carey-Wells and Caren Florance Abbe 2015 Griffith University

Robyn Foster + Fiona Dempster and Angela Gardner Abbe 2015 Griffith University

Sheree Kinlyside and Impress Printmakers: Sue Poggioli + Jennifer Stuerzl Abbe 2015 Griffith University

Tim Mosely and Heather Matthew Abbe 2015 Griffith University

Adele Outteridge + Wim de Vos – Abbe 2015 Griffith University

Jo Kambourian and Darren Bryant at Lismore Art Space 2014

The SLQ White Gloves team Christene Drewe, Helen Cole and Jeanette Garrard for Abbe 2015

State Librarian Janette Wright welcomes attendees SLQ 2015

Brazillian artist Amir Brito Cadôr keynote presentation Siganto Foundation Artists’ Book Seminar 2015

Julie Barratt and Clyde McGill discusse their Siganto Foundation Creative Fellowship 2015

Jan Davis and Doug Spowart discuss their Siganto Foundation Creative Fellowship 2015

A forum on collaboration – Siganto Foundation Artists’ Book Seminar 2015

Judy Bourke and Adele Outteridge+Wim de Vos at the Siganto Foundation Artists’ Book Fair SLQ 2015

Clyde McGill and Anne Kirker and Sue Poggioli at the Siganto Foundation Artists’ Book Fair SLQ 2015

Helen Malone and Sandra Pearce at the Siganto Foundation Artists’ Book Fair SLQ 2015

Amir Brito Cadôr with Noreen Grahame & Helen Malone at the Siganto Foundation Artists’ Book Fair SLQ 2015

Helen Cole, Michael Wardell & Clyde McGill at the Siganto Foundation Artists’ Book Fair SLQ 2015

Dr Marie Siganto makes a presentation to Ana Paula Estrada and Victoria Cooper

PAPER CONTEMPORARY – Sydney Contemporary 2015

Grahame Galleries stand with Ron + Jonathan McBurnie at Paper Contemporary – Sydney Contemporary 2015

Victoria Cooper, Jan Davis and Trent Walter at Paper Contemporary – Sydney Contemporary 2015

Sue Anderson + Gwen Harrison and Brigita Oppen at Paper Contemporary – Sydney Contemporary 2015

Helen Cole, Akky van Ogtrop, Robyn Berkeley from Berkeley Editions and Victoria Cooper at

Paper Contemporary – Sydney Contemporary 2015

Fellow Travellers a book by William Kelly, SLV Creative Fellow and Baldessin Press Studio Residency recipient

Personal Histories International Artist Book Exhibition Uni of NSW Canberra 2015

Robyn Foster (Curator), Judy Bourke, Selena Griffith, Tracie Toohey, Rachel Hunter, Lisa Morisset –

Personal Histories International Artist Book Exhibition Uni of NSW Canberra 2015

Christene Drewe introduces UK artist Guy Begbie – The Siganto Foundation Fellowship artist book series 2016 SLQ

Guy Begbie presents his keynote address – The Siganto Foundation Fellowship artist book series 2016 SLQ

Victoria Cooper and Lyn Ashby presentations – The Siganto Foundation Fellowship artist book series 2016-7 SLQ

Helen Douglas presents her keynote address – The Siganto Foundation Fellowship artist book series 2017 SLQ

Clyde McGill performs his book and a White Gloves presentation of artists books

– The Siganto Foundation Fellowship artist book series 2016 SLQ

Freestyle Books exhibition curated by Helen Cole at the State Library of Queensland 2008

Freestyle Books Symposium with Ron McBurnie, Peter Lyssiotis, Judy Watson, Jonathon Tse and others

at the State Library of Queensland 2008

At the launch of Ana Paula Estrada’s book MEMORANDUM – Ana Paula with Louis Lim and Annette Green 2016

Visiting Wim de Vos and Adele Outteridge at Studio West End Brisbane 2017

Visiting the 2017 Festival of the Photocopier Zine Fair – Melbourne

David Dellafiora and Gracia Haby + Louise Jennison at the

2017 Festival of the Photocopier Zine Fair – Melbourne

Ulrike Stoltz & Uta Schneider international presenters at Artists book Brisbane Event Griffith University 2017

A K Milroy + Brad Freeman – presenters at Artists Book Brisbane Event Griffith University 2017

Marian Crawford and Ana Paula Estrada presents their papers

Artists Book Brisbane Event Griffith University 2017

Marian Macken presents at Artists Book Brisbane Event Griffith University 2017

Wim de Vos at Artists Book Brisbane Event Griffith University 2017

A plenary session on artists books at Artists Book Brisbane Event Griffith University 2017

Noreen Grahame in her curated exhibition “… & So” – Artists Book Brisbane Event Griffith University 2017

Barbara Davidson and Caren Florance at Artists Book Brisbane Event Griffith University 2017

Sue Poggioli and Anne-Maree Hunter at Artists Book Brisbane Event Griffith University 2017

Brad Freeman and Anita Milroy – Artists Book Brisbane Event Griffith University 2017

Lyn Ashby and Sue Anderson at Artists Book Brisbane Event Griffith University 2017

Anna Welch, Des Cowley and Madeleine Say at Ballarat International Foto Biennale

World Photobook Day Book Fair 2019

Helen Cole presents and a floortalk – The First Focus of Artists Books and the Libris Awards at Artspace Mackay 2004

Looking at books and the opening crowd – Focus of Artists Books and the Libris Awards at Artspace Mackay 2004

Bruno Leti workshop – Focus of Artists Books and the Libris Awards at Artspace Mackay 2004

Focus of Artists Books and the Libris Awards at Artspace Mackay 2005

Caren Florance, Sasha Grishin and Dianne Fogwell in the ANU exhibition at FOAB 2005

Unknown lady, Adele Outteridge, Madonna Staunton and Wim de Vos and Sasha Grishin FOAB 2005

Focus of Artists Books and the Libris Awards at Artspace Mackay 2006

Robert Heather welcomes attendees + Marshall Weber presents Focus of Artists Books at Artspace Mackay 2006

Katherine Nix workshop – Focus of Artists Books at Artspace Mackay 2006

The installation view of the 2008 Libris Awards

Michael Wardell welcomes attendees and a Forum at the 4^th Focus on Artists Books event and

Judge Michael Desmon presents his address to the 2008 Libris Award

Clyde McGill’s foyer artwork FOAB 2028

Michael Desmond presents his lecture in the 4^th Focus on Artists Books event

2008 FOAB some of the presenters McGill, Fogwell, Florance and Cooper

Focus on Artists Books V and the 5^th Libris Awards 2010

Michael Wardell addresses the attendees – 2010 Libris Awards and 5^th Focus on Artists Book event

2010 FOAB Deanna Hitti in her exhibition ‘Bint Trembucky (daughter of the drum)’

Caren Florance and David Dellafiora in their workshops – 5^th Focus on Artists Book

Victoria Cooper with Judy Barrass and Linda Douglas – 5^th Focus on Artists Book

Barbara Davidson and Caren Florance with Sheree Kinlyside of Red Rag Press – 5^th Focus on Artists Book

Victoria Cooper with Monica Oppen and Sara Bowen (Book Art Object), Julie Barratt and Caren Florance

Visiting the 2016 Libris Artists Book Award

Denise Vanderlugt with her highly commended bookwork I used to wrap rainbows and Jamian Stayt’s

Soulless evolution 2016 Libris Artists Book Award

graeme galleries’ 5th Artists’ Books + Multiples Fair in the Dell Gallery Griffith University 2007

Monica Oppen and Michael Wardell with Doug Spowart

at graeme galleries’ 5th Artists’ Books + Multiples Fair in the Dell Gallery Griffith University

Helen Cole + Dianne Fogwell and Stephen Spurrier + Normana White

at graeme galleries’ 5th Artists’ Books + Multiples Fair in the Dell Gallery Griffith University

Victoria Cooper with Dianne Longley and Anne-Maree Hunter

at graeme galleries’ 5th Artists’ Books + Multiples Fair in the Dell Gallery Griffith University

12^th Edition Noosa Artists Book event ‘Back to Basics’ 2008

Southern Cross University Acquisitive Artists Book Award 2006

Southern Cross University Acquisitive Artists Book Award 2007

Southern Cross University Acquisitive Artists Book Award judged by Robert Heather 2008

Judge Tara O’Brien announces the winner – Southern Cross University Acquisitive Artists Book Award 2009

Southern Cross University Acquisitive Artists Book Award 2011 – Judge Ross Woodrow

Peter Lyssiotis is his studio 2014

Ana Paula Estrada presenting her Mexican photobook collection in Maud Gallery, Brisbane 2017

Keith Smith and Scott McCarney in a workshop at West End Studios Brisbane 2006

Deanna Hitti’s exhibition of the book ‘A is for Alam (pen)’ at the State Library of Victoria 2022

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Any RSS reposting from this Blog without permission represents a breach of Copyright.

Written by Cooper+Spowart

August 8, 2025 at 2:57 pm

Posted in Victoria Cooper, Wot happened on this day

Tagged with A K Milroy, Abbe 2015, abbe 2025, abbe2025, Adele Outteridge, Akky van Ogtrop, Amir Brito Cadôr, Ana Paula Estrada, Angela Gardner, Anna Welch, Anne Kirker, Anne-Maree Hunter, Artist’s Books (reprised), Artists Books, Artists books in Australia, Artspace Mackay, Baldessin Press Studio Residency, Barbara Davidson, Berkeley Editions, Book Art Object), books, Brad Freeman, Brigita Oppen, Bruno Leti workshop, Bundaberg Regional Gallery, Caren Florance, Catherine McCue Boes, Christene Drewe, Clyde McGill, Darren Bryant, David Dellafiora, Deanna Hitti, Deidre Brollo, Denise Vanderlugt, Des Cowley, Dianne Fogwell, Dianne Longley, Doug Spowart, Euan Mcleod, Fellow Travellers a book by William Kelly, Festival of the Photocopier Zine Fair, Fiona Dempster, Focus of Artists Books, George Paton Gallery, Gracia Haby, grahame galleries, Guy Begbie, Gwen Harrison, Heather Matthew, Helen Cole, Helen Douglas, Helen Malone, history, history of artists books, history of artists books in australia, Jan Davis, Jennifer Stuerzl, Jo Kambourian, Jonathan McBurnie, Jonathon Tse, Judy Barrass, Judy Bourke, Judy Watson, Julie Barratt, Katherine Nix, Keith Smith, Libris Awards at Artspace Mackay, Linda Douglas, Lisa Morisset, Lismore Art Space, Lloyd Jones, Louis Lim, Louise Jennison, Lyn Ashby, MABF 2017, Madeleine Say, Madonna Staunton, Marian Crawford, Marian Macken, Michael Desmond, Michael Wardell, Monica Oppen, National Gallery of Victoria, Noreen Graeme, Noreen Grahame, Paper Contemporary – Sydney Contemporary, Penny Carey-Wells, Peter Lyssiotis, Rachel Hunter, Red Rag Press, Redland Art Gallery, Robert Heather, Robyn Berkeley, Robyn Foster, Ron McBurnie, Sandra Pearce, Sara Bowen, Sarah Bodman, Sasha Grishin, Scott McCarney, Selena Griffith, Sheree Kinlyside, Siganto Foundation Artists’ Book, SLV Creative Fellow, State Librarian Janette Wright, State Library of Queensland, Stephen Spurrier, Sue Anderson, Sue Poggioli, Susi Muddiman, Tim Mosely, Tracie Toohey, Trent Walter, Ulrike Stoltz, University of Melbourne, Uta Schneider, Victoria Cooper, Volume Art Book Fair, Wim de Vos

TONES OF HOME: Cooper+Spowart in group show

with 2 comments

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TONES OF HOME – Arts Project Australia

Tones of Home draws together artists from Arts Project Australia (APA), Melbourne, regional Victoria, and north Queensland to present works inspired by domestic and urban spaces. Curated by Eric Nash, Director Benalla Art Gallery the exhibition extends beyond these settings to consider ‘what makes a place, a home?’, touching on notions of family, community, belonging, connection, love, comfort, safety, and personal histories.

Featuring APA artists Steven Ajzenberg, Miles Howard-Wilks, Chris Mason, Chris O’Brien, Lisa Reid, Anthony Romagnano, Georgia Szmerling and Amani Tia alongside Atong Atem, Susie Buykx, Cooper+Spowart, Erub Arts Torres Strait and Ghost Net Collective, Aishah Kenton and Ron McBurnie.

(Text from the APA Website)

Tones of Home continues until 25 November 2023

Tones of Home Exhibition

SOME COMMENTS FROM THE CURATOR – ERIC NASH

The seeds of this exhibition were truly sewn at home. As my wife and I awaited the arrival of our second child, I found myself considering a work by Mini Graff that hangs above our bed. It is a street art poster in a vintage drawing style. Text on the work reads ‘Today is my lucky washing day’, and a woman hangs washing on a clothesline while an atomic bomb appears to have gone off in the background. It seemed to resonate with my experience of our domestic bubble of safety, and, when at home, perhaps even my ignorance to the outside world.This caused me to ponder what ‘home’ felt like, and indeed meant, to others? It had to mean more than just somewhere we reside. I couldn’t help but imagine my favourite fictional retired barrister, Lawrence Hammill QC, declaring, “You can acquire a house, but you can’t acquire a home”.

I owe a debt of gratitude to the Arts Project Australia team and artists who kicked this project off by sharing their thoughts on the topic of home. A number of responses stuck with me and have framed the exhibition. Home, in their words, could be “where the most important people in your life are”… “where you feel safe”… “a base where you start from”… “a place that fits your ideas of design,
location, and convenience.” Common themes emerged, specifically ‘Personal histories’; ‘Love and family’; ‘Community and connection’; and ‘Belonging, comfort and safety’. …

READ MORE FROM THE CURATOR – Download the exhibition Catalogue

“CLICK LINK” TonesOfHomeCatalogue_Web

“CLICK LINK” “Tones-of-Home-Room-Sheet-2

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SOME VIEWS OF THE EXHIBITION

Susie Buykx and her ceramics

Chris O’Brien’s works

Georgia Szmerling ceramics (front) & Erub Arts Torres Strait and Ghost Net Collective (back wall)

Chris Mason “Me and Monica Together” & “Me and my friends at work” 2019

Anthony Romagnano’ works

Aishah Kenton’s photographs

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COOPER+SPOWART WORKS IN THE SHOW

Cooper+Spowart “Desire Paths 2+3” Proposed layout

Victoria with Jo Salt Gallery Director + Doug PHOTO: Michael Coyne

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COMMENTARY ON OUR DESIRE PATHS ARTISTS BOOKS…

Some words from Curator Eric Nash

… I write this essay now during paternity leave. This is the longest time I have spent consistently at home in years. This break and time with Tegan and our children brought something into clear focus: while Tegan and I have moved cities several times in the last ten years, I have always felt ‘at home’ as we have been together. Cooper and Spowart (Victoria Cooper and Doug Spowart) exemplify this through their extensive photography, photobook and artists book practices, which are maintained both as individual practitioners, and as life collaborators. For these artists, ‘home’ “was an idealised state of being in Place, which offered a sanctuary and a garden. More than architecture, ‘home’ is also a psychological and sensorial place for the safe shelter ofmemories and experiences.” (4)

Cooper and Spowart’s recent Desire Paths books resonate with their shared life and artistic journey, explaining “Our artistic process is also defined by the desire to discover new paths around the traditional norms. Over time these new paths become alternative solutions to the ultimate desired outcome. All these paths or lines are theexistential experience and representation of desire.” (5)

1.The astle (1997) Directed by Rob Sitch. [Feature .ilm]. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Roadshow Entertainment.

4 & 5. Cooper, V and Spowart, D (2023) Email to Eric Nash, 27 August.

Suzie Buykx+Victoria+Eric Nash (Curator) +Doug

Susie Buykx+Victoria+Eric Nash (Curator) +Doug

Thanks to Eric Nash, Jo Salt and the Team at Arts Project Australia for the opportunity to to show work in this exhibition in Melbourne (Naarm). N

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Unless noted otherwise photographs are by Doug Spowart

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.ash

Written by Cooper+Spowart

November 17, 2023 at 7:43 pm

SLQ Siganto Seminar: The trouble with artists’ books

with 4 comments

AT THIS TIME THE BLOG WILL FEATURE IMAGES OF THE EVENT

We are happy to receive comments and dialogue arising from the seminar and will post selected feedback. Please leave a comment on this blog for consideration by us for posting.

The podcast is available at http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/audio-video/webcasts/recent-webcasts/siganto-seminar

Cheers Doug+Victoria