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Artist Books

"Mind Maps"

2016

14 x 14 x 2cm

Artist Book: Typewriter. Water colour paper. Bamboo spine.

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Held in Permanent Collection: University of Kent Archives

This book contains a series of 12 hand typed maps, each sitting alongside duplicate "keys" which have varying responses as a result of the particular environment in question; the experiences there, her private life and her general mental health state.
The works are all drawn on a typewriter, formed by delicate lines of black full stops.

"Conception"

2017
16 x 16 x 1cm
Artist Book. Water colour paper. Bamboo spine.

Inspired by my second pregnancy I decided to form an illustrative book celebrating the initial incredible moments which result in the formation of a human child.
A play on words, the title "Conception: a time of matter" focuses in on the initial moments from the release of an egg right through the moments where the heart of the embryo first begins to beat.

"William Shakespeare's W Words: A Glossary"

2016
6.5 x 14 x 1 cm
Artist Book: Typewriter. Water colour paper. Bamboo spine.

A hand typed and hand bound artists book inspired by works of Shakespeare; the book comprises a glossary of all words used by William beginning with the letter "w". Use of a typewriter and deliberate simplicity is Penny's signature style, and is adopted in this instance to allow the words their full potential to amuse and interest the viewer in an appreciative gesture at the writer's legacy in terms of language, comedic value and onomatopoeic content but is also notable for the inclusion of words which are no longer in contemporary use or words whose definition has altered over time.

"What's on your mind?"

2015
2mm x 3mm (Size of book)
Artist book. Acid free paper. Hand bound.

"The woman who does not require validation from anyone is the most feared individual on the planet" - Mohadesa Najumi


Social media encourages us to find drama in our lives, and to release this drama in endless updates, some of the time even accompanied by vain or altered images of ourselves. Growing with impatience at the unrelenting pace of technology, Penny Alexander set about making works which celebrate lost skills and dignified silence. Her book is a "poke" at the social media which is overwhelming and suffocating us all.

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