The Editorial is a research-led inquiry into the expanding role and network of independent contemporary art publishers in Asia and their international impact through a curated series of public events, exhibitions, and discussions.
Over the last decade, art publishing has moved beyond exhibition catalogues, magazines, artist books, and historical and philosophical writing to incorporate current literary, research-based, and digitally-oriented hybrid practices. Simultaneously, the apparatuses of articulating and delivering content, from art book fairs to art libraries and archives are being rethought and reshaped as "curated" sites.
In responding to these changes, The Editorial contributes towards growing critical reflection on this rapidly developing area, paying particular attention to the connections, influences, and differences between the making, curating, editing, and writing of art through publishing. In this framework, different perspectives on independent publishing are considered, generating research through artistic and critical means while placing the distinct cultural backgrounds of different regions of Asia in a broader context. In doing so the project proposes an 'editorial aesthetics' at the nexus of contemporary art production.
The programme rethinks the conditions of publishing in the face of region specific circumstances and challenges, including the crucial role of museums, archives, and self-organised initiatives. Central to this endeavour is the establishment of a peer network of emerging to established independent artist-led publishers in Asia.
The two-day programme includes public lectures and debates; publication launches with related performances, readings, and events; and a display within an Asian street market-inspired installation alongside internal workshops by and for international art publishing practitioners.
A series of collateral events will take place in art bookshops and cultural venues across Taipei, and through a subsequent Free Parking exhibition at Asia Art Archive in Hong Kong.
The Editorial at the Taipei Biennial 2016 is a partnership between the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Vernacular Institute, and Asia Art Archive in Hong Kong. It was initiated by Ingrid Chu and Kit Hammonds.
Supported by Art to Go, The International Council of the Museum of Modern Art, Taipei Artist Village, and the Taipei Fine Arts Museum. Special thanks to the MA in Critical and Curatorial Studies of Contemporary Art programme at the National Taipei University of Education, Department of Arts and Design and Jo Ying Peng. Programme assistance by Kevin Ng.