Art Book Fair returns for its fourth year


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For the fourth year in a row, visual art is commemorated in book form at the LA Art Book Fair. Created to showcase the works of independent publishers and artists in a bazaar set-up, this event is set to attract the most creative vendors and enthusiasts to The Geffen Contemporary at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Last year the  event, the West Coast equivalent to its New York counterpart, attracted more than 34,000 patrons. At the rate the event is growing in Los Angeles, this year’s fair promises to push the boundaries of conventional visual presentation with its exhibitions and events.

One would find navigating the web of stations captivating. Exhibits throughout the event are hosted by vendors from an array of different countries. Australian bookstore Heavytime Books — slated to showcase items at the event — boasts of controversial merchandise in which “reader discretion is advised.” Independent Chinese photo art publishing house Jiazazhi facilitates more than 10 publications, all of which explore photo expression. In Timekeepers, for example, photographer Matjaz Tancic captures the lives of peasants in rural China. The fair excels at representing art from many areas of the world.

While the event is spotlighting most vendors from all over the United States, many are based in California. Not only are area museums such as the Hammer Museum and Los Angeles County Museum of Art making an appearance, but independent operations have a chance to present their work as well. LAND AND SEA, an Oakland, Calif. press shop, will debut artist Jason Mcafee’s WILD HORSES. Modern Women, a local print shop, concentrates on feminist gear. However, expect to see exhibitors from other states at the LA Art Book Fair as well.

Other than meandering around MOCA, the book fair has a number of scheduled readings, panels and discussions. Author Bill Burns is slated to read from his memoir, Hans Ulrich Obrist Hear Us, which details the economy of art. The #BlackLivesMatter movement will conduct an artistic demonstration during the three-day duration.

A full list of exhibits and events can be found online. LA Art Book Fair is free to the public and takes place from Feb. 12-14, though tickets for the preview are on sale now.