Paola Lenarduzzi on Segnature: A Decade of Artisanal Art Publishing

Segnature, the Milan-based 'microrivista' founded by graphic designer Paola Lenarduzzi in 2013, is about to release its 30th issue, dedicated to artist Luca Vitone. The launch will take place on December 10 at Fondazione Luigi Rovati in Milan, followed by a presentation on December 12 at Galleria Rolando Anselmi in Rome. Lenarduzzi, who also co-founded the online literary magazine Doppiozero, conceived Segnature as a hybrid between a magazine and an artist's book, emphasizing intimate, monographic encounters. Each issue is produced in small, hand-distributed editions, often in collaboration with gallerists, collectors, or the artists themselves. The publication's name refers to the typographic process of folding and grouping sheets into booklets. Lenarduzzi describes the editorial process as unhurried and collaborative, with artists like Giulio Paolini, Vincenzo Cabiati, Margherita Morgantin, Nicolò Cecchella, and Alessia Armeni having contributed. The graphic design aims for neutrality, allowing the artwork to lead. Segnature is funded through modest investments from gallerists, collectors, and artists, keeping production agile. Lenarduzzi emphasizes the value of hand-to-hand distribution and public presentations as a counterpoint to digital fragmentation.