About

The focus of the ART BOOK HAMBURG is the printed publication as an autonomous form of artistic expression. Whether book, newspaper, Edition, magazine or zine, which forms the printed publication as an artistic voice, are more diverse than ever. The fair is intended to be a platform for experts, book and art lovers as well as the interested laity.

The Art Book Hamburg is a further development of the Photobook Days 2010. The lead organizer is the association Freundeskreis des Hauses der Photographie e.V.. The venue is the House of Photography, Deichtorhallen Hamburg, Germany.

Germany, the land where the printing press was invented, looks back on a long tradition of important books. In particular, the art book market is also currently has important impetus from Germany, as gallery owners, publishers, collectors and museums. The art market has changed in recent years, which directly impacts the perception of art books.

A art book is no longer just a reference tool for collectors - it has become an independent and prestigious form of art. Furthermore the preferred publishing tool of artists has moved on from the classic exhibition to printed publications. The fact that the art book can “travel” and therefore reach a much broader target audience beyond the art business is a clear advantage. Its enormous popularity seems to be unstoppable and that is almost surely due to the fact that art books are not solely the subject matter of a few experts, but of a broader audience too. Secluded from the booming market of original copies the art book managed to establish a status of serious and independent form of expression.

The printed book offers room for a whole series which evolves a shape that matches the content through layout and amenities. Compared to single copies, editions and artist books the art book has a slightly higher but not any desired circulation and is therefore a relatively cheap, in a way democratic tool to deal with artistic photography.

„Art shows come and go, but books stay around for years. They are works themselves, not reproductions of works. Books are the best medium of works. Books are the best medium for many artists working today.“ Sol LeWitt

The ART BOOK HAMBURG 2011 is intended to be a platform that offers experts, book and art lovers as well as the interested laity an option to exchange media art books.