The SFAI’s Anne Bremer Memorial Library prides itself on a very nice eclectic collection of Artists’ Books from the 1960s on.  A nearly complete set of Ed Ruscha’s artists’ books, a couple very cool Bruce Nauman titles, titles by Kara Walker, Lorna Simpson, Sol Lewitt, Allan Kaprow, Kathy Acker, John Baldessari, Jim Pomeroy, and Adrian Piper.  Some of the best are by alumni, William T. Wiley’s A Suite of Daze, Nell Sinton’s, Under the Table at the Donner Party, and Fred Martin’s A Travel Book, and lots of books by students from studio classes taught by Charles Hobson.  One of the favorites of everyone is Richard Shaw’s flip book of self-portraits growing his hair and growing his beard. (BFA ’65; Faculty 1966-1987; Honorary Doctorate, ’88).  These 4 stills are representative of an artists’ book that mesmerizes library patrons. When I asked Martha Shaw how long this book took Richard to photograph and make, she replied, “oh, about two weeks.”

With permission, SFAA is re-posting the emails Jeff Gunderson Librarian/Archivist Anne Bremer Memorial Library has been sending out since March 2020. Please enjoy this magnificent archive.