Why books NOW? Are books symbolic objects? Have books created political change? What is it that makes artists’ books a unique /compelling art form? Can artists’ books advance social justice for women? This panel discussion will tackle the history and current state of independent press and self-publishing by women artists making books as an art form.

This panel discussion focuses on book aesthetics in the history and current state of independent press and self-publishing by women artists. Though increasingly active in California publishing over the last century, as in so many areas, women have not always been as visible as their contributions deserve. Showcasing a diverse range of women artists and curators, the panel address the ways in which women artists’ publications create a distinct discourse, whether that arises from editorial ethics or curatorial decisions, feminist methods, specific topics and themes, or anticipated audiences. Most importantly, the panel will call attention to vibrant works of art being made in the book format designed to bring transformative points of view into published form.

Tia Blassingame        Artist, Professor and Press Director Scripps College
Johanna Drucker      Moderator, Artist, Breslauer Professor, Information Studies, UCLA
Alexandra Grant       Artist, Publisher X Artists’ Books
Marcia Reed              Chief Curator, The Getty Research Institute
Susan Sironi              Artist

This event is co-sponsored with: Now Be Here Guest Curator Initiative, Scripps College, UCLA Center for the Study of Women, & X Artists’ Books