x91BOOK binds ARTx92 is the second exhibition of MET6.
MET6 is a temporary body of six professional bookbinders from Belgium and the Netherlands.
The composition of the body can vary as well as the subject or time between the exhibitions.
Two certitudes however are the cooperation with the Academie of arts in Genk and the term MET
The group MET6, edition 2010, consists of the 4 Belgian bookbinders Jan Camps, Renxe9e De Gent, Ingela Dierick and Julia Van Mechelen
and the 2 Dutch binders Loek de la Haye and Anneke Linssen.
This time however there is no limitation concerning the use of material.
The different binders tried to interact – or confront themselves – with private presses.
Both disciplines, art bookbinding as well as contemporary printing are only known in a small circle as both binders and printers work in their small corner of the visual arts.
Bringing both disciplines together isnx92t self-evident when one comes to think of the lack of a platform for both.
In addition there exists a threshold for both parties to collaborate.
On one hand the bibliophile knowledge of some bookbinders is too small to buy appropriate contemporary printed matter to provide with an art binding.
On the other hand, the contemporary printer is often not fully acquainted with the available bookbinders and therefore reluctant to find the right binder(s) for his small circulation.
In addition we have to remind ourselves of the fact that the "Bibliophile of The Low Countries" in both art forms quite often likes to remain an observer who prefers to retire in his room to enjoy his old printings and classic bindings.
For the collector or/and the conservator the budget plays a significant part.
Or he expands his collection, and manages especially unbound copies,
or he takes up the challenge of collecting work of contemporary bookbinders.
MET6 hopes that this exhibition will be a small step in the right direction where both disciplines can become a little bit better known with those who are concerned and interested.
Maybe this exhibition could take the initiative to organize an annual meeting, after the example of x91Ephxe9mxe8rex92 for bookbinders in Paris or, the unfortunately no longer existing, x91Drukselx92 for printers in Gent, where bookbinders and prin-ters could show there latest creation for a broader public.
Therefore we publish the list of printers of our books, stating clearly that this is only a small pick out of the contemporary active private presses.
The same is true for MET6; we are not the only active bookbinders.
For the collector or/and the conservator, in here lies a palette of modern book creations that might help to put together a compilation of modern bindings.
Jan Camps for MET6.
