Punk, politics and art on show in new exhibition at State Library Victoria
![Self-made watercolour on white background with three children and blonde woman with sunglasses and vodka bottle](https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/feature_image/public/self-made.jpg?itok=FxqU0Skt)
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Self-made: zines and artist books is a new exhibition showcasing the eclectic world of independent publishing, from exquisite handmade artist books to radical low-fi zines, opening at State Library Victoria on 11 August.
Developed in partnership with The Sticky Institute, Self-made will display rarely-seen material from the Library’s collection of artist books and its zine collection – the largest and most comprehensive in Australia.
Exhibition curator Monica Syrette said Self-made will take visitors on a journey through the colourful and sometimes controversial evolution of self-publishing.
“The history of zine-making and self-publishing is inextricably linked to influential counter-cultural movements and social activism.
“What we’re displaying – items like sci-fi zines from the 1940s, punk zines from the seventies and contemporary feminist zines – are all reflections of the political and cultural movements of the time.
“The artist books in Self-made were also ground-breaking, designed to circumvent the commercial gallery system and make art easily available to all.”
The exhibition features works by leading international artists including Swiss German artist, Dieter Roth; Pop Art influenced American artist, Ed Ruscha; pioneering conceptual artist Sol LeWitt; and renowned Australian painter, sculptor and printmaker, Robert Jacks; alongside works by contemporary artists and zine-makers.
More than 170 works will be on display, including a dedicated reading lounge, revealing the breadth and beauty of artist books and zines.
Self-made: zines and artist books will be on display at State Library Victoria from 11 August until 12 November 2017 and will tour Victoria and interstate in 2018.