Women to Watch 2027: A Book Arts Revolution

NMWA is known worldwide for its peerless collection of nearly 1,000 artists’ books, a special collection catalyzed in the 1980s by NMWA curator emerita Krystyna Wasserman. Since that time, the museum’s staff has ensured that artists’ books are always on view in the galleries and library, and visitors to NMWA are universally enthralled by these fascinating objects. 

Although some artists’ books involve the time-honored processes of printing and binding, the most dynamic examples of the medium include elements of sculpture. Books arecreated through inventive techniques such as folding, carving, piercing, pleating, andcurling. NMWA’s own collection includes works that are dramatically sculptural in form, made from materials including linen, wood, aluminum, and semi-precious stone. The museum also collects and exhibits zines (handmade, self-published booklets that convey personal reflections on progressive topics) and graphic novels. 

A Book Arts Revolution, to be on view at the Museum from April to August 2027, coincides with the museum’s 40th anniversary and the 20th anniversary of the Women to Watch series. The exhibition will focus on the place of book arts within contemporary art practices. Books, zines, and graphic novels representing a diverse and exhilarating range of artists, materials, techniques, and subject matter will reflect the spirit of the new NMWA.

Learn more about the national Book Arts Revolution exhibition

The Massachusetts Committee's nominated curator is John Buchtel, Curator of Rare Books and Head of Special Collections at the Boston Athenaeum. Watch this space for further announcements!