shortlisted

Unrolling bubble wrap, opening a huge box, removing the protective layer of wadding, putting on white gloves... This is all an immensely important part of the ritual which the reader must undergo before getting to the core of the matter – the actual book entitled Mravenčení (Pins and Needles). The title and the creative and conceptual theme (post-traumatic stress disorder as a consequence of sexual abuse during childhood) seems truly perfect to me. The symbolic while colour highlights the fragility and purity of the young human being requiring specific care. It is said that “paper endures everything”. Here the personal traumatic experiences are transferred to paper which is mercilessly torn, burned or cut. The book contains pages with information deliberately unavailable to the viewer which he/she can obtain by cutting paper with a knife which is part of the packaging. There are several abstract illustrations under the white film of Japanese paper, under some sort of layer that is covered and concealed. The title “Mravenčení” is blind embossed into the “goose bump” structured paper of the jacket. The text presents a detailed examination from several angles: society, family, victim and psychologist. The calming scent of lavender enhances the intimate atmosphere. Everything in this work is in the right place, so there is no need to add or take anything away. This book must be experienced physically.

Rufina Bazlova
Art Panel member

Author: Markéta Typovská
School: Fakulta designu a umění Ladislava Sutnara Západočeské univerzity v Plzni