An artist book is an experience for both body and mind. The sensation of discovering and experiencing an artist book is much more intense than with other books, in fact it is almost religious. The very act of touching it, studying the cover, looking impatiently for what is inside…
This is not a book that you find stacked in libraries or bookshops, no, it is itself a unique work of art! Opening it, catching your first furtive glimpse at the imprint, you face the facts that this is another of a genuine artist's creations. You realize: the Holy Grail is in your hands. The tension rises. Page by page you delve deeper into the artist's ideas, vision, and work. This is not one of those occasions where you stare at some piece of art in a crowd, guessing at the thoughts behind the work. No – you are in a one-to-one relationship: you and the book, indeed you and its creator.
From 'The artists' book“Bastaard in de Kunst”?', by Begga Martens
From 'The artists' book“Bastaard in de Kunst”?', by Begga Martens
Imschoot, Uitgevers earned itself an international reputation for unique, out-of-the-ordinary artists' books in limited editions. Artists publishing with Imschoot usually got free rein to design books about their work. After the single-minded master typographer, Jozef Imschoot, started his small independent business in Ghent in 1938, the Imschoot tradition expanded substantially in subsequent generations, acquiring many new branches in the process. Imschoot used the brand-new techniques of its day, but also some time-honoured ones that were already a century old. More than just a typical printing-office, Imschoot Uitgevers stood for a publishing house specializing in artist books. Dirk Imschoot prefers to call it a creative cell. "A printing office is a factory making products", he says. "But production should be as creative as possible. This becomes possible thanks to a combination of craftsmanship with industry, and experience with playfulness."
Today the printing business has stopped all activities. However, most of the unique works of Imschoot, Uitgevers are still available, though sometimes in very limited editions.
Today the printing business has stopped all activities. However, most of the unique works of Imschoot, Uitgevers are still available, though sometimes in very limited editions.
