Ben Sisto collects used books for disassembling and re-displaying. This series, Pressure Burns includes carefully edited pages from a book bought from Manhattan's Strand Bookstore.
In the 19th century, wood pulp paper was invented as a less expensive resource for bookmaking and newsprint. Papers used for books were bleached for whiteness, but, as decades pass, lignin, the natural binder in the wood pulp, oxidizes changing the color of the page from white to yellow or brown.
Sisto’s selections bring attention to random pressure marks created by years of stacking or shelving the books, preserving areas of original white. Each page mysteriously beautiful; upon viewing one can experience the illumination of time in a moment.
Additional images from the exhibit can be found here.
Lamps and framed works on paper from the exhibit are for sale.
Inquiries: exhibits@russelljanis.com
Price list available here.
292 Manhattan Avenue (on Devoe St. next to church), Brooklyn NY 11211
Graham Avenue L stop
Map here.
We are open:
Thursday and Fridays 1-7PM
Saturday 11-7PM, Sunday 12-6PM
or by appointment.