"THIS IS A FREE MEDIA."

Dóra Balla, educator of MOME's graphic design department, told about theBudapest Artbook Fairon the values, challenges and relevance of autonomous publishing. We talked about his latest book and the thoughts behind it, and finally, he's fresh. AGI I asked about the membership of Alliance Graphique Internationale. Founded in 1954, it brings together outstanding graphic designers from all over the world. Until now, Hungary has been represented by István Horkay and István Orosz. This year, Dóra Balla was added to their ranks and her work was awarded with one of the highest professional recognitions.

The first Art Book Fair Printed Matter organized in New York; From there, the initiative spread throughout the world. For the first time in Budapest, it was organized by you during Design Week. Can you tell us about the basic concept of the fair?

Yes, this is a very new initiative, to which many large cities have joined or advertised local fairs and events under the same name. Mostly a new medium, the increasing number of autonomous books and independent publishing. In essence, books and publications with a small number of copies have appeared here and appear at these events, which are independent of the rather limited concept of the major publishers, are completely free, often the works published by the artists themselves. Through these publications, invoking the cheap printing methods of the time, artists' thoughts and works can reach far more people than through traditional art or communication media. In addition, the book is an object that is personal, can be taken home, encapsulates and preserves value, so Reflects on the value loss problem of the digital media of the age. Within a few years, this new medium has already generated its own collectors, and fortunately, it has also increased the number of quality small publishers (which is a significant help in solving financing problems).

Although the name is ‘book fair’, it is much more than that; For example, the graphics department of most Hungarian universities was present, and lectures and book presentations were also held. Why did you feel the need to do this in Budapest?

My own book design practice and this type of work, as well as my education, have both led me to the need for this kind of event in Hungary. I think there is a lot of work that is very high quality and that has not been presented so far. I don't believe that the pages of an artist's book in the form of posters say anything, and most of the domestic graphics events are almost reduces the appearance of the works to this uniform poster-like form only. I think this medium will kill you., So I found it absolutely necessary to organize an event where not this way, but the books are present in their reality, where the creators are also there, and those interested can hold them in their hands, browse through them, and even buy them, take them home. It is a transitional form between the exhibition and the fair, the essence of which is dialogue, personality and naturalness. It's a free medium, Let your thoughts flow freely. both in time and space.

Is there a connection between Art Book Fairs all over the world, or do they happen completely independently?

They are usually independent and Focusing primarily on the work of local artists. But of course, where the event has a long tradition, artists and works from other countries also appear.

Do you want to make a tradition of the fair at home?

According to my plans, yes, anyway. I don't know where or in what form this was my first experience. I definitely consider his independence important, this is one of the most important virtues of the event, but probably in order to keep improving, I am not enough. That's why I created a dialogue at the end of the lectures, which I hope calls for joint work and cooperation..

One of the newly published books at the event was your BALLATONE. What do we know about him?

It was born as the end of a ten-year-old story, a very personal photo book. That's when I started photographing hydrographies on the shores of Lake Balaton, surface games, spontaneous designs that have bewitched me and have been interested in me ever since. I'm somewhere, and at dusk, very occasionally, on a water surface, this strange play of light develops. This other dimension pulls you in and leads you out of the world, soothes you and makes you happy every time. This book is a summary of these photographs, the first series of which is the starting point of my doctoral work and which have since been reproduced in several locations. For me It was a very important and decisive period. These ten years have opened up new dimensions in many ways in other areas of my life.

Congratulations on the book as well. AGI He has recently been elected as a member. The list is quite impressive, there are several members about whom we could learn from you in a special history class. How does it feel to be a member of such an organization?

Fantastic, I can't put it in another word. I bought the summary book for AGI ten years ago, it was published at the end of 2007. Agi: Graphic Design Since 1950 Thames and Hudson Edition. I started teaching professional history at that time, and I thought it included everyone who should not be left out, about whom every student should know as a designer. I never thought I'd be a member of this company, so I could get in touch with the designers I teach., who are the most important to me, who are exemplary.

What does membership entail?

This is a club membership, the biggest advantage of which is professional prestige. It's worth more than all the awards and recognitions, Because you are welcomed and appreciated by those who have been the most outstanding and influential personalities in this profession for decades. The members are equal, professional friendship and respect are the cohesive force. Each year, the annual conference takes place in different locations around the world, where members are invited and presenters are invited. Its main goal is to maintain professional relationships and maintain the highest level of professionalism.

How is the recording done?

AGI is like a professional elite club. You can't sign up from the outside, it's a completely closed system. Members' recommendations are the only way in. Three members must write a letter of recommendation at the same time, and admission is far from guaranteed. So far, the Hungarian membership has been two, now it has been expanded to three with my admission. It is a special pleasure for me that I am the only one among this year's recruits who can represent our entire region in a broad sense, and from nowhere in the surrounding countries has become a new member of AGI this year.

balla dora

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Author: Boldizsár Tóth

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