Boats On The Fountain

Vessels To Be Floated In Public Spaces

Artist bookwork – 1999

Interactive artists’ book consisting of a booklet and a collection of printed paper strips designed to be folded into small boats and floated in fountains, lakes, or public waterways.

The project was printed at Open Hand Press in 1999 by David Dellafiora and Pete Spence.

The booklet explains the concept:

The work invites participants to fold the printed sheets into small boats and place them in public fountains or bodies of water, referencing poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, who reportedly enjoyed floating paper boats whenever he encountered water.

Contributors (“Boat Makers”) listed in the booklet include:

• Mark Cuthbertson

• David Dellafiora

• Luisa La Fornara

• Hilary Green

• Adam Harding

• Mardi Janetzki

• Pete Spence

The included printed strips feature different graphic designs intended to become small folded vessels. The project reflects the artists’ book and participatory art movement of the late 20th century, where printed objects become part of a public action or performance.

Object:

Artists’ book / interactive bookwork

Title:

Boats On The Fountain

Subtitle:

Vessels To Be Floated In Public Spaces

Date:

1999

Printer / Press:

Open Hand Press

Printed by:

David Dellafiora & Pete Spence

Contents:

• Purple printed booklet

• Instruction / concept sheet

• Multiple printed paper strips designed to be folded into paper boats

Condition:

Very good vintage condition.

• Light handling wear to cover

• Interior pages clean

• Paper boat sheets present as shown

• Minor edge wear consistent with age

Please review photos carefully for condition and contents.

History / Bio:

Open Hand Press is an Australian small press associated with the experimental print and artists’ book community in Geelong, Victoria. Projects produced through the press often combine printmaking, book arts, and participatory public art.

David Dellafiora, one of the printers of this piece, is known in artists’ book and mail art circles for producing experimental printed works and collaborative book projects. “Boats On The Fountain” reflects a late-20th-century trend in artists’ books that encouraged audience participation and temporary public installations.

Search keywords:

Boats On The Fountain

Open Hand Press Geelong

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David Dellafiora Pete Spence

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