Allison Katz: Artery
The monograph of this London-based painter vividly interweaves her works with the context of her life via its narrative and design. The main part consists of richly illustrated text in a variety of typefaces in which Katz comments on her work through diary-style entries, conceptual thoughts and references to art history. This masterful blend offers up numerous surprising combinations of typography and images. In addition, every other double page can be unfolded upwards to reveal a large painting or poster by Katz. The posters feature many of the typefaces that are also used in the text. Despite the startling construction and complex content, the book does not feel overly engineered or complicated; rather, its generous use of space opens up many ways into the work. A red wraparound band on the softcover, giving brief details of the contents and instructions on unfolding the double pages, helps to ease the reader in. The symbiotic interplay between art and design is indicative of close collaboration between the artist and the designer.
