Bookmaker and conservator Adelene Koh transforms traditional craft by bringing hidden book elements into sharp focus, earning a finalist spot for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize exhibition with her paper and thread sculpture “Endless.” According to a statement on her work, Koh uses 18th- and 19th-century English endband sewing techniques to construct an ouroboros-like cylinder that merges a book’s spine and fore-edge.
From the New York Art Book Fair to Global Studio Practice
Adelene Koh’s professional trajectory shifted after she visited the New York Art Book Fair in 2011, where she first discovered the intricate world of bookbinding. According to studio details, her formal training began in Japan before taking her to London. Today, Koh operates her independent studio, dddots, based in Taiwan.
This year, Koh’s dedication to technical precision and heritage artisanship earned her recognition as one of 30 finalists for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize. The award celebrates innovation across a wide array of disciplines. Her shortlisted piece, “Endless,” showcases meticulous paper-folding combined with edges stitched using vibrant, colorful fibers.
Pro Tip: Spotting Overlooked Details in Bookbinding
While traditional endbands are typically tucked away inside a book’s cover and selected to blend seamlessly with the pages, contemporary book artists like Koh challenge these conventions. By opting for vibrant color combinations and rhythmic stitching patterns, makers can elevate functional structural components into the primary visual focal point of a sculptural work.
Reimagining Traditional Sewing Techniques
Sewn endbands serve a critical structural purpose in historical bookbinding, yet they rarely claim center stage. Traditionally, makers choose thread colors specifically designed to remain understated or invisible beneath the cover materials.
Koh subverts this standard practice by highlighting these underappreciated elements. “I’m interested in bringing hidden elements of books into focus,” Koh states, explaining her creative motivation. “I’m drawn to the overlooked, the sidelined, the parts that quietly support everything else.”
Did You Know?
The Loewe Foundation Craft Prize exhibition featured Koh alongside other makers, including competition winner Jongjin Park and fellow finalist Xanthe Somers, whose works also pushed the boundaries of modern material artisanship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize?
The Loewe Foundation Craft Prize is an award that celebrates and highlights innovation across a wide range of artisanship.
Who is Adelene Koh?
Adelene Koh is a bookmaker and conservator who trained in Japan and London before establishing her studio, dddots, in Taiwan. She was named a finalist for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize for her paper and thread sculpture titled “Endless.”
What materials and techniques does Koh use in her artwork?
Koh uses meticulous paper-folding and 18th- and 19th-century English endband sewing techniques, combining paper structures with colorful fiber stitching to create sculptural objects.
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