Pino Boresta's Clandestine Book-Crossing at Artissima 2017
During Artissima 2017 at the Oval in Turin, artist Pino Boresta executed a clandestine book-crossing operation titled L.C.A.A.17 – “Libri in Cerca di Autore ad Artissima 2017”. The project involved leaving books in public areas for visitors to find, read, and modify. Boresta had previously performed a similar action at the 50th Venice Biennale. The books contain instructions for readers to interact with the text, such as crossing out all letter 'P's and counting them, transforming the book from a passive object into an active artwork. Boresta's gesture critiques passive consumption and emphasizes the viewer's role in completing the artistic experience. The artist distributed the books spontaneously, blending performance, publishing, and social practice. The project was documented by Chiara Scamardella in an article for Artribune.
Key facts
- Pino Boresta performed a book-crossing at Artissima 2017 in Turin.
- The project was titled L.C.A.A.17 – “Libri in Cerca di Autore ad Artissima 2017”.
- Boresta had previously done a similar action at the 50th Venice Biennale.
- The books include instructions for readers to modify the text.
- The operation was clandestine and spontaneous.
- The project critiques passive consumption and highlights viewer participation.
- The event was documented by Chiara Scamardella for Artribune.
- Artissima 2017 took place at the Oval in Turin.
Entities
Artists
- Pino Boresta
- Chiara Scamardella
Institutions
- Artissima
- Venice Biennale
- Artribune
Locations
- Turin
- Italy
- Venice
- Oval