“The age of information in physical form is waning. As intangible routes thrive with quicker fluidity, material and history are being lost, slipping and eroding into the ether. Newer media swiftly flips forms, unrestricted by the weight of material and the responsibility of history. In the tangible world we are left with a frozen material but in the intangible world we may be left with nothing. History is lost as formats change from physical stability to digital distress.”

New York-based artist Brian Dettmer has carved a sculpture series from books using surgical tools. Using such tools allows him to create intricate patterns and designs in the multi-layered books; so intricate that the pages and colors within the book come to life in three dimensional form. He demonstrates his impeccable skills on old medical journals, dictionaries, maps, encyclopedias and more. By carving out the pages to reveal the contents of the book, he reveals new histories and meanings of the book now that the context if the book has “changed”. The artist sees his work as a collaboration with the authors and creators of the book. 

Dettmer explains in his artist statement,”The richness and depth of the book is universally respected yet often undiscovered as the monopoly of the form and relevance of the information fades over time. The book’s intended function has decreased and the form remains linear in a non-linear world. By altering physical forms of information and shifting preconceived functions, new and unexpected roles emerge.” 

Check out Dettmer’s Webseite Here

via Beautiful Decay