Luca Lo Pinto's 'Publishing as an Artistic Toolbox' at Kunsthalle Wien

Curated by Luca Lo Pinto, the exhibition 'Publishing as an Artistic Toolbox: 1989-2017' at Kunsthalle Wien runs until January 28, 2018. The show examines art publishing as a medium and tool for artists, covering the period from 1989 to 2017. It features sections like 'Artists' Library' where 35 artists, including Maurizio Cattelan, Liam Gillick, Olaf Nicolai, and Heimo Zobernig, each selected their own publication along with three influential books by other artists. 'The Bookshop as Medium' is a collaboration with collector Giorgio Magnani and Motto Books of Berlin. Other sections include 'Expanded Publishing' and 'Design as Medium,' highlighting the role of graphic designers. The display, designed by collective Rio Grande, uses playful roof-like structures rather than traditional tables and vitrines. A section dedicated to French artist Philippe Thomas explores his conceptual work on authorship and marketing. Lo Pinto distinguishes the exhibition from art book fairs like The NY Art Book Fair, noting that museums rarely host analytical shows on publishing due to perceived elitism. The show emphasizes publishing as a versatile toolbox for artists, encompassing books, magazines, newspapers, and self-produced materials, enabled by lower production costs and digital distribution.