Page Contents 3 minute read.
Artists’ Books
An artists’ book is more than just a book. It is an artwork, or art object, that incorporates the form of concept of the book. They can defy description and categorization by combining text and images, fine or unusual bindings, or unexpected formats and materials to engage viewers and push the boundaries of the idea of the book. Artists’ books are often unique items or are created in limited editions. Unlike other artistic mediums, artists’ books are traditionally interactive and require use by the viewer to be understood.
UNT Special Collections has been collecting artists’ books since the 1990s, and the collection has steadily grown to represent some of the best-known book artists in the world. The Artists’ Book Collection continues to grow through strategic purchases from artists and publishers, as well as through the Biennial Artists’ Book Competition. Today, the Artists’ Book Collection is one of the most frequently requested collections for instruction at UNT Special Collections, and covers a wide range of artists and backgrounds, materials, sizes, binding structures, formats, subjects, concepts, and more.
Zines
A zine (short for magazine) is a handmade, self-published book that is created for the purpose of sharing knowledge, history, experiences, and art with others. Zines are firmly rooted in the do-it-yourself movement and have historically been used by marginalized and niche communities that have been underrepresented through traditional publishing channels. There is no standards or rules to zine creation on their content making them a versatile medium for educational and creative works alike.
The Zine Library at UNT was established in 2024 with the recognition that zines represent invaluable primary sources to researchers across disciplines. The collection was developed with a strong emphasis on zines that can be utilized for curriculum and instruction and features a variety of zine formats that primarily focus on topics of gender, sexuality, and identity. Today, the collection continues to grow primarily through the donation of zines by members of the UNT community and is available to browse in the Special Collections’ Hughes Reading Room in Willis Library.
Featured Books and Collections
Artists’ Books
Featured Artists’ Books
- Islam Aly, Kinship, 2024.
- Tia Blassingame, ‘Pause, Primrose Press, 2024.
- Anne Covell, Sea Change, 2019.
- Clifton Meador, Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie (VOC), 2022.
- Gaylord Schanilec, American Crow: Report from Quarantine, Midnight Paper Sales, 2021.
- Keri Miki-Lani Schroeder and Chris Fritton, Please Stay Until Doomsday, Coyote Bones Press, 2023.
Featured Artists
- Julie Chen
- Candace Hicks
- Helen Hiebert
- Kathy Lovas
- Matthew Magruder
- Jan and Jarmila Sobota
- Peter and Donna Thomas
- Jody Williams
Zines
- My Day, Volumes 1-53, 2005-2023.
- Bubbles: An Independent Fanzine about Comics and Manga, Issues 1-21, 2019-2025.
- Genderfailz #1, The First Appointment: A Zine, 2009.
- Cyclista Zine: Issue 1, October 2019.
- The Fat Chick Dating Myth, 2023.
- Fear, Safety, & Femmes, 2018.
Digital Collections and Exhibits
Artists’ Books
- Biennial Artists’ Book Competition and Exhibition Digital Exhibit
- Artists’ Book Photography in the UNT Digital Library
- Rethinking the Codex: A Book Arts Symposium (2026)
