The exhibition Books as Objects, Books as Memory reclaims the physical book as a powerful archive of memory and resilience. Hosted by Common Things in Manhattan’s East Village, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the intersection of art, design and memory.

Books as instruments of memory

The exhibition challenges the idea of books as mere carriers of text. Instead, it highlights them as tangible objects that hold stories of lived experiences. Through typography, materiality and design, the books on display become active participants in storytelling. They evoke emotions, connect us to the past, and ground us in the present.

The artists and their work

The exhibition features two books by New York-based photographer Rhea Karam, published by Small Editions. These works reflect Karam’s family’s displacement from Lebanon during the 1982 wartime upheaval.

One of the featured books, simply titled 1982, comes encased in a concrete slip cover. This design choice symbolises the weight of history and the physical density of memory. The book becomes an archive of upheaval and resilience, where its form mirrors its emotional and historical significance.

Karam’s curated selection of books explores themes of longing, loss, retrieval and belonging. The exhibition transcends these themes, offering a broader declaration: the book as an act of care. Through its materiality, typography and design, the book becomes a witness to rupture and a medium for healing.

The venue

Common Things, located in Manhattan’s East Village, in New York, serves as a hub for art, design and culture. Its intimate storefront enhances the exhibition’s themes, creating a space where visitors can engage with the books on a tactile and emotional level.

Why this exhibition matters

In today’s digital age, Books as Objects, Books as Memory reminds us of the enduring power of physical objects. It invites reflection on how books serve as vessels of memory, connecting us to our past and grounding us in the present. This exhibition is not just about books; it’s about the stories they carry and the emotions they evoke.