The Word Embodied: Scripture as Creative Inspiration in Twentieth-Century Book Arts

Friday, March 1st, 2019 - Saturday, June 15th, 2019

An exhibition of livres d’artistes, artists’ books, and fine press editions of the Bible. 

Twentieth-century printers and artists developed aesthetic principles that articulated the power of the book to influence the reader’s experience of a text. They endeavored not simply to copy or illustrate Scripture but to embody it in a meaningful form. Whether austere or exuberant in design, these books were conceived to give countenance to the spirit within. This exhibition explores the book as a creative expression with special attention paid to artistic philosophies, the inspiration behind specific works, the roles of illustration and letterform, and the significant achievements of women in the book arts. 

“The Artist and the Book”: Panel Discussion and Reception 
On Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 4:00—6:30 pm Bridwell Library will host a reception and panel discussion featuring guest speakers Anna Lovatt, Assistant Professor of Art History at SMU and Catherine Craft, Curator at the Nasher Sculpture Center. The panel will commence at 4:30 pm. Exhibition curator R. Arvid Nelsen will offer guided tours. 

The Elizabeth Perkins Prothro Galleries 
Bridwell Library 
Perkins School of Theology 
Southern Methodist University 
6425 Boaz Lane

Dallas, TX

32.8450068, -96.7859669

The Word Embodied: Scripture as Creative Inspiration in Twentieth-Century Book Arts