(Retro)(Intro)spection

(Retro)(Intro)spection is a juried exhibition of artists' books and paper arts at San Francisco Center for the Book. The exhibition explores the intersection of artists' books and artistic process, inviting artists to interpret the past, consider the future, and reflect upon where we are going. The theme examines the words retrospection (looking back on past events) and introspection (reflective looking inward), encouraging artists to explore how these processes inform their work.

The exhibition is open to handmade book and paper arts related works created either in edition or as a one-of-a-kind work, including artists' books, sculptural books, book objects, altered books, installations, zines, and broadsides. A maximum of two works may be submitted per artist. Publication date of each work must be 2013 or later. Entries must be submitted online by 5:00 pm PST on September 1, 2019. The entry fee is $20 (non-refundable) and covers up to two works. Submissions require 4-8 high-resolution images per work on neutral gray or white backgrounds. Work in languages other than English is welcome with an English translation. International artists are welcome; entry fees must be paid in US funds.

Exhibition dates are February 7 – April 19, 2020 at San Francisco Center for the Book in San Francisco, California. Accepted artists will be notified on October 1, 2019. Artwork must arrive between October 1 – November 1, 2019. A full-color print catalog with essays by jurors will accompany the exhibition. Artists are encouraged to offer work for sale; artists receive 60% of the selling price with 40% retained by SFCB. All work must have a declared value for insurance purposes. San Francisco Center for the Book is insured and responsible for safekeeping of exhibited artwork while in their possession.