ABC d’Air (2005)

ABCD’Air (2005)
Bruno Riboulot and Marjon Mudde
Greyboard covers on four-flap paper case, handsewn booklet. Case: H212 x W153 mm; Booklet H210 x W145 mm. 26 folios. Edition of 60, of which this is #30. Acquired from Abecedarian Gallery, 10 March 2022.
Photos: Books On Books Collection.

The shape of a letter depends on the “air” — the space — within and around it. Bruno Riboulot’s concept, executed here by Marjon Mudde, demonstrates how those spaces can be formed by cuts, tears, folds, “reveals” and contrasting colors. Truly an abecedary of space. (Thanks to Colin Cohen of Missing Portraits for the reminder of the title’s pun on abécédaire.)

A revealing B revealing C

The book consists of thirteen leaves sewn together with linen thread. Each leaf is divided in half, and each half is dedicated to a letter of the alphabet.

Standing, the open book takes on the air of an abstract sculpture.

W revealing X revealing Y revealing Z.

The “reveals” evoke the harlequinade (“flap-book”, “turn-up”, “metamorphosis” or “lift-the-flap”) structure invented in 17th century, in which the book’s narrative unfolds as each flap is lifted. To appreciate how differently this structure can be used with the alphabet, compare it with Scott McCarney’s Alphabook 10 (2015) and Thomas Ockerse’s The A-Z Book (1969/2014).

About the artists:

French calligrapher Bruno Riboulot works with traditional watercolors, pen and ink but also experiments widely with paper (as above), stone, stop motion animation, light and calligraphy performed to music. Visual artist Marjon Mudde currently works as an engraver, printmaker, ceramicist, book artist and editor of handmade artists’ books.

Further Reading

“Abecedaries I (in progress)“. Books On Books Collection.

“Scott McCarney“. 26 February 2020. Books On Books Collection.

“Thomas Ockerse“. Books On Books Collection. In progress.

“Livres d’artistes : « ABCD’Air »“. 8 August 2019. Accessed 10 March 2022.