Gothic T
Brian Dettmer
American, born 1974
Details
Title
Gothic T
Artist/Maker
Brian Dettmer (American, born 1974)
Date
2008
Medium
Altered book
Dimensions
9 3/4 x 8 x 1 1/4 inches
Credit
Purchase with the Lambert Fund
Accession #
2011.50
Location
Currently not on view
Created as a commission for the New York Times Style Magazine’s spring 2008 travel issue, Gothic T represents the Times’ iconographic initial in relief, nestled comfortably within the covers of a vintage atlas. Dettmer works with discarded books, maps, or other printed materials, scalpels, tweezers, and knives to reveal intricate ideas and images that emerge from the pages of his chosen source material. By meticulously carving into each page, the artist uncovers alternate readings without ever relocating or implanting image or text. The end result is a sculptural object with multiple histories; Dettmer considers each work a collaboration with his materials and their original authors.
Image Copyright
© Brian Dettmer