About Printed Matter Publishing
Emerging Artists
Social Activism
Printed Matter provides a forum for critical engagement with works dealing with issues of social, economic, and political justice. The program recognizes that the widely distributable printed page is a powerful vehicle for the exchange of information. We seek out artists’ projects that advance the democratizing possibilities inherent in the book and critically address topical themes and issues.
Past works in this series have included GAAG: The Guerrilla Art Action Group, 1969-1976: A Selection, first published in 1978 (and reprinted in 2011), which collects the manifestos, letters and press communiqués issued by the activist artist group, and The Guerrilla Girls Art Museum Activity Book, which offers a satirizing take-down on high culture, endemic sexism, unethical behavior and conflicts of interest pervading the art world.
As part of our publishing program engaged with social activism, Printed Matter published the Artists and Activists Pamphlet Series between 2008 and 2012. Inspired by the legacy of the political pamphlet, these modest format publications offered artists and collectives a space to address a broad range of themes and issues, as well as critically examine the concept of art and activism. Twenty pamphlets were created in total, and issues 1-12 were made available as a box-set. Pamphlets were distributed for free at the Printed Matter storefront, and included in mail-order packages. The entire series is now available for free download here.
Innovation
The PM Publishing Program also undertakes a series of ambitious projects that showcase the exciting possibilities of technical production in contemporary artists’ publications. This includes innovative ways of thinking about the parameters of the book as an editioned object, experimenting with design and printing processes, and bringing together form and content in innovative ways.
Past works in this series have included [2,3], a pop-up book with artist Tauba Auerbach, featuring 6 oversized geometric sculptures, and Blue Icons (Day Edition) by Dan Walsh, which is composed of small ‘halftone’ dots that shift across the blue color spectrum, with each page spread trimmed down to a reducing size.
Please note that the PM Publishing Program is by invitation only, and we are not able to accept unsolicited proposals.
Printed Matter has received funding in support of our publishing activities from the following foundations: Harpo Foundation, Furthermore Foundation, NYSCA, Jerome Foundation, Gesso Foundation, The Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation, Andy Warhol Foundation for the Arts and Individuals worldwide.