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Printed Matter, Inc.

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Printed Matter, Inc.
Company typeNon-profit organization
IndustryBookstore, Publishing, Arts
Founded1976
FounderSol LeWitt, Lucy Lippard, Carol Androcchio, Amy Baker (Sandback), Edit DeAk, Mike Glier, Nancy Linn, Walter Robinson, Ingrid Sischy, Pat Steir, Mimi Wheeler, Robin White, Irena von Zahn
Headquarters
New York City
,
United States
ProductsArtists' books
Websiteprintedmatter.org

Printed Matter, Inc. operates as an independent, grant-funded 501(c)(3) non-profit entity that functions as a bookstore, artist collective, and cultural venue specializing in the publication and distribution of artists' books. It is situated at 231 11th Avenue in the Chelsea district of New York City.

History and mission

Established in 1976 by a diverse group of artists, critics, and publishers—among them Sol LeWitt, Lucy Lippard, Carol Androcchio, Amy Baker (Sandback), Edit DeAk, Mike Glier, Nancy Linn, Walter Robinson, Ingrid Sischy, Pat Steir, Mimi Wheeler, Robin White, and Irena von Zahn—Printed Matter began as a for-profit art venue located in the Tribeca neighborhood of New York City. The initiative originated from Sol LeWitt’s vision for artists to assume control over the production of their distinctive, often unconventional artists' books (also referred to as "bookworks" or "book art"). During that period, these publications were frequently dismissed as trivial promotional items by dealers rather than recognized as legitimate artworks.

Lucy Lippard has acknowledged International General, an independent artists' book publisher led by Seth Siegelaub, as an influential precedent for Printed Matter’s formation.

As one of the pioneering institutions dedicated to the creation and dissemination of artists' books, Printed Matter integrates elements of self-publishing, small press operations, and artist collectives. While numerous publishers existed historically for such works, there was a significant gap in distribution channels; Printed Matter fulfills both roles by acting as a distributor and publisher. The organization concentrated on distribution to expand the reach of art beyond conventional museum spaces while empowering artists to maintain control over their work’s production.

The editions produced by Printed Matter are conceived by artists as original artworks but are manufactured in multiples to ensure affordability—typically priced between $5 and $50—to promote wider access to art.

Beyond publishing and distribution, Printed Matter functions as a supportive hub for experimental artists and fosters community engagement. It simultaneously serves as a publisher, exhibition venue, retail outlet, and gathering place within the downtown New York art scene.

Corporate status and operations

In 1976, writer and editor Ingrid Sischy was appointed as the first director of Printed Matter, Inc. by Sol LeWitt and the organization's board of directors. By 1978, she had successfully secured 501(c)(3) non-profit status for Printed Matter Inc, officially establishing it as a nonprofit entity dedicated to artist publications.[1] [2]

The materials exhibited at Printed Matter arrive either through a submission system or via a network comprising artists, distributors, and publishers. Due to its unconventional method of curating content, Printed Matter's inventory is notably varied, embodying the long tail principle in its selection. The organization employs a mail order catalog system to fulfill orders, enabling it to serve a global clientele that includes libraries, archives, museums, academic institutions, and individual collectors.[3] The collection is arranged alphabetically by artist, with dedicated sections categorized by format such as zines, audio pieces, periodicals, or specific publishers. Each summer, the entire stock undergoes a thorough review to produce an updated archive and comprehensive backlist available for browsing during the Fall season.[3]

Beyond book sales, Printed Matter also organizes artist window installations in its storefront to engage the public in ways that extend past traditional commerce.[4][5]

From 2004 until 2010, artist AA Bronson held the position of executive director at Printed Matter and was responsible for founding and directing the NY Art Book Fair. Initiated in 2006,[6] this fair brings together over 200 independent publishers, booksellers, antiquarian dealers, artists, and presses.[7][8] The LA Art Book Fair followed in 2013.[9] Both fairs are currently organized under Printed Matter’s auspices.[10][11] Following Bronson’s tenure, Phil Aarons—who serves on Printed Matter’s board—and Jordan Nassar have contributed to managing these events. Between 2010 and 2017, Shannon Michael Cane played a crucial role in their development and success.[12]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

The Curated Shelf

Printed Matter partnered with Artspace, Aspen Art Museum, and Centro University to develop The Curated Shelf, a platform showcasing and retailing artists' books. This collection features works spanning from the 1970s through to contemporary times, encompassing a broad spectrum of themes and artistic expressions.

Exhibitions

  • Learn to Read Art: a Surviving History of Printed Matter, exhibited at NYU's 80WSE Gallery during 2014 and 2015

Location history

Gallery

See also

References

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NewYork-AfterAndy-1990
  2. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named e-flux-PMI-Listing
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named JournalofArtistBooks-Krundy-2010
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PrintedMatter-LippardInterview-2006
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named :1
  6. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NYTimes-NYArtFair-2006
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named artdaily-NYArtBookFair-2006
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named NYTimes-NYArtBookFair-2007
  9. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named VanityFair-CBGB-2014
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named e-flux-NYArtBookFair-2013
  11. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Hammer-LABookFair-2015
  12. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Juxtapoz-ArtBookFair-2015

External links

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