Viola Chiang (Black Church Print Studio) was awarded the PNI Inter Studio Residency at Cork Printmakers which took place in Spring 2026.
“Project I worked during Inter-studio residency:
Book as an object — between readable and unreadable
Innovatively exploring the multifaceted nature of books beyond their conventional role as vessels of text, I want to invite viewers to reconsider how books are read, felt, recorded, and interacted with. Inspired by my photography of a Venetian boat repair process, I connect the craft of bookmaking with the intricate work of restoring a boat. The project highlights the concept of the book as both an object and a dynamic medium – something that exists between the readable and unreadable. Influenced by the works of Bruno Munari, a key figure in the development of artist books, I examine how books can be more than just readable content; they can be poetic spaces, installations, performances, and reflections of personal experience.
My exploration includes books as diverse forms – objects of art, accessories, and even as maps or gardens. Book as an object will invite visitors to engage with books not only as sources of information but as experiences that challenge how we perceive and interact with the world around us, while simultaneously encouraging dialogue about books as transformative objects that transcend their conventional uses. Text from my solo show in Linenhall Arts Centre (Nov. 24th 2024 — Jan. 15th 2025).
After my solo show “Book as an object— between readable and unreadable”, I am working on an artist book of “Book as an object— between readable and unreadable”, will be a catalogue of my solo show, also an archive, an artist book to explain book as an “object”. I am really happy to have this inter- studio residency opportunity to continue this book. I learned Irish types, also very enjoyed making typography compositions, printing pages, which was really helpful for my practice.
During the residency in Cork Printmakers (April 27th – May 6th), every day from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. sometimes till 8: 30 P.M. (also bank holiday, May 1st and weekend days) it was very productive to work between embossing and typography, then I scanned and photographed my works (thanks photographer in Cork printmakers to photograph my embossing works). This inter-studio residency not only develops techniques but also exchanges ideas and experiences with members in Cork Printmakers and an international residency american artist in Cork Printmakers. Really helpful for my Irish type design research to create my own types to play (print) on different papers.
During the residency, I had a talk to tell stories of my practice, research, and shared my works with different people. As I am a member in black church print studio (from 2017 ongoing), I also have a personal book studio between printmaking and photography in Venice, Italy, during inter- studio residency in Cork Printmakers, I learned a bit how to organise a studio, how to connect and communicate with different people, the trip from Dublin to Cork also inspired me for my project.”
