Brian Dettmer is a New York-based artist known for his detailed and innovative sculptures with books and other forms of antiquated media. His works are focused on the changing of information from physical form to digital one.
The richness and depth of the book is universally respected yet often undiscovered as the monopoly of the form and relevance of the information fades over time. By altering physical forms of information and shifting preconceived functions, new and unexpected roles emerge.
Through meticulous excavation or concise alteration Brian edits or dissects communicative objects or systems such as books, maps, tapes and other media. The medium’s role transforms. Its content is recontextualized and new meanings or interpretations emerge.
“I cut into the surface of the book and dissect through it from the front. I work with knives, tweezers and surgical tools to carve one page at a time, exposing each layer while cutting around ideas and images of interest. Nothing inside the books is relocated or implanted, only removed. Images and ideas are revealed to expose alternate histories and memories.”
His work has been exhibited internationally in numerous solo and group exhibitions at galleries, museums and art centers including the Smithsonian, Museum of Arts and Design, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, etc.
Images courtesy of Brian Dettmer
Discover: briandettmer.com
