EXILE Books @ Transformer

JULY 7 – AUGUST 20, 2016

Transformer explores 'the pleasure of text,' dedicating our exhibition space to critical contemporary arts discourse led by artists.

MEDIA

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

EXILE Books @ Transformer is a 'pop up' bookstore with titles guest curated by Miami based EXILE Books founder Amanda Keeley, in collaboration with Printed Matter, Inc. (New York, NY). An experimental, hybrid installation/book-store/reading room/critical arts discourse lab, EXILE Books @ Transformer will highlight a wide variety of artists’ books and publications that consider the intersection of art and writing, exploring how artists experiment with publications as vehicles of communication.

Launched in September 2014, EXILE Books has migrated throughout several locations in Miami, spending approximately 2 to 3 months housed in every location. All of the mobile store components are designed by Keeley, with a stylistic nod towards Donald Judd and The Memphis Group. Adaptable displays are reconfigured and arranged to accommodate each new residence, presenting a thematically curated selection of titles connected with public programing like lectures, performances, workshops, and events.

The bookstore is dedicated to raising awareness about artists’ publications, serving as a platform for the exchange of ideas and projects grounded in the spirit of collaboration. In partnership with Printed Matter, Inc., EXILE’s core inventory represents a diverse cross section of artists’ books and publications. Additional materials are selected to complement the thematic programing for each location with an emphasis on local artists and publishing.

“Having explored various national & international models of how arts communities can take/have taken the lead in nurturing critical arts discourse through alternative, artist-centered publications and on-line platforms, Transformer looks forward to presenting Exile Books @ Transformer, and to having DC artists & audiences utilize our space throughout the summer for reading, contemplation, discourse, and participation in programs that encourage and support individual emerging artist writers in our community.“ – Victoria Reis, Co-Founder, Artistic & Executive Director, Transformer.

EXILE Books @ Transformer will host public programs, workshops, and readings led by the participants of E13: Discourse. The 13th year of our Exercises for Emerging Artists program – an annual peer critique and mentorship program for selected DC based emerging artists, focusing on a different artistic discipline each year – E13: Discourse supports & promotes five emerging arts writers: Eames Armstrong, Ikram Lakhdhar, Christine Bang, Ani Bradberry & Martina Dodd. Through mentorship with a dynamic and diverse range of visiting DC and nationally based guest arts writers and critics, the E13: Discourse participants seek to facilitate & promote community exchange through critical arts dialogue. E13: Discourse is supported by a generous donation from The Artery Group.

Amanda Season Keeley, the founder of EXILE Books, is a visual artist, curator, and writer. After completing her MFA at Parson’s School of Art & Design, Keeley went on to manage Printed Matter, Inc.and then ran Yoko Ono’s studio for 9 years before departing to launch EXILE. Keeley has also served as a regular contributor to Whitewall Magazine, Issue Magazine, and Bookforum. Keeley's most recent exhibitions in Miami include Fredric Snitzer Gallery and Wolfsonian--FIU Museum, and special commission projects have been featured at the UNTITLED Art Fair and Vizcaya Museum. She is the recipient of numerous grants and awards such as the Knight Foundation Arts Challenge, Florida Department of State Cultural Affairs Grant, and NYFA Blackburn Printmaking fellowship. Her work is included in numerous private and public collections.