Art on the page
Illuminating some of the illustrious illustrators held deep in the University of Melbourne’s rare books collection, including Matisse and Miró
Published 4 August 2017
Our reporter Dr Andi Horvath is given privileged access to the University of Melbourne’s rare books collection, stored in a darkened room kept at 19°C, where books rest upon cushions and magnificent manuscripts and folios can be found.
Susan and Andi thumb the pages of great (and sometimes rather quirky) illustrated works, revealing the surprising stories behind why some of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists decided to turn over a new leaf and add their art to books and poetry. From Henri Matisse’s random rabbits and crayon fleurs de lys around the poems of a battle of Agincourt prisoner, to Joan Miró’s distinctive colour blotches, they find that books and art belong on the same page.
The Art on the Page exhibition is running from 1 August 2017 - 14 January 2018 at the Ballieu Library, University of Melbourne.
Episode recorded: 7 July 2017
Producers: Dr Andi Horvath and Chris Hatzis Audio engineer: Arch Cuthbertson Editor: Chris Hatzis Production assistant: Claudia Hooper
Banner image: Theo Strasser (1956–) Ghost bones Melbourne: Anajah Press, 2017
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