Artist’s Statement

My work strives for self-reflection, questioning its own form. Each piece challenges the viewer to rethink the definitions and conventions of its medium. In book art, I seek to create narratives through the object’s physical form and binding.

The book form is a seemingly familiar form that continues to challenge us with its untapped potentials. A piece of text or image can exist in another medium and continues to tell a story, but as soon as it resides inside a “book,” it takes on the qualities of that physical vessel, and the intention of using that vessel instantly becomes part of the message of the piece.

I take pictures of each book I make. Reframed, seen from a completely different perspective, the book becomes something else entirely. The book as physical object is transformed into a unique graphic image. I strive for a harmony between perfection and imperfection in my work. Imperfection creates individuality, and it also generates new possibilities and perspectives.

Rapunzel (2009) Cotton cords, Asahi bookcloth, Davey bookboard, Canson paper, linen threads, 2-needle coptic binding 58"w x 35"d x 3.25"h © 2009 Dennis Yuen.
Rapunzel (2009)
© 2009 Dennis Yuen.