— too bold, too big, to far: Unrealized artworks become visible. Artists from all over connect.
While mobility is restricted, borders and distances are clearly perceptible and existential uncertainties
are omnipresent, more artistic works than ever remain in the state of planning. Whether it fails due to
lack of time, space or money or accompanies your artistic work for years as bold dream — we are looking
for your projects, which have not (yet) made it beyond their state as an idea, concept, draft or prototype.
With this exhibition we want to open up a space and visibility in terms of concepts, sketches, drafts, plans
and photographs. These papers will be presented at the art space BLECH. in Halle, Germany.
At the same time, despite current challenges and immobility, this format allows to present
and bring international artists together. Since many things cannot take place on location and in person,
there will be an online programm additional to the exhibtion. For an exchange and encounters, the
participating artists and their work will be presented and discussed on a digital platform.
— too bold, too big, to far: Unrealized artworks become visible. Artists from all over connect.
While mobility is restricted, borders and distances are clearly perceptible and existential uncertainties
are omnipresent, more artistic works than ever remain in the state of planning. Whether it fails due to
lack of time, space or money or accompanies your artistic work for years as bold dream — we are looking
for your projects, which have not (yet) made it beyond their state as an idea, concept, draft or prototype.
With this exhibition we want to open up a space and visibility in terms of concepts, sketches, drafts, plans
and photographs. These papers will be presented at the art space BLECH. in Halle, Germany.
At the same time, despite current challenges and immobility, this format allows to present
and bring international artists together. Since many things cannot take place on location and in person,
there will be an online programm additional to the exhibtion. For an exchange and encounters, the
participating artists and their work will be presented and discussed on a digital platform.
Jacob z. wan
ABOUT
Jacob Z. Wan is a contemporary bookbinder who creates mixed-media conceptual books to celebrate the importance of oneself. He has received his BFA and MFA from the University of Central Florida, and he has exhibited in Florida, Illinois, and California. Wan has moved to the USA from China since 2014, and currently, he resides in Orlando, FL.
STATEMENT
I am a contemporary bookbinder, who makes conceptual books to celebrate the importance of oneself. Along with stitching traditional bound books with handmade paper and crafting sculptural books with unconventional materials, and I am interested in creating book-like spaces to evoke an immersive atmosphere for the audiences. I record, illustrate, and express my experience of solitude as an Asian gay man through experimenting with the layers, textures, and materiality in the form of book arts. Books were an escape from reality for me when I was a child. I aspire to bring the sense of ceremony of reading a book into my mixed media book installations that the viewers enter the space like they open a book, and they close the cover when they exit the space.
We asked ...
How do you record your ideas for new works and projects?
As a book artist, I am inspired by many subconscious moments. I have a handmade notebook that I use to record new ideas, or I can tap on my phone or send myself a message about the new project I want to do. In the end, I collect and organize them in my “idea notebook.”
What does failure mean for your artistic work?
Failure means opportunities. Failure means a better self. Failure means understanding the past and aspiring to change the solution. For me, mistakes are beautiful accidents, they can help me reflect on my practices and study my creative process. Failures are precious experiences.
Unless otherwise indicated, all rights for all texts and photos are reserved by the artist/author/photographer.