AI, AE (Saving Face)

Head First Into Emotional Evolution
Installation at1st Feminnale of Contemporary Art, curated by Altyn Kapalova, National Museum of Fine Arts, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 2019

A trilogy of artists' books, Head First Into Emotional Evolution is an artistic response to gender inequalities in a time when American women’s rights are under attack within our right-wing culture. It is a trilogy of hand-made artist books done in collaboration with book artist, visual poet Frie J. Jacobs, writer Mark Blickley and myself. The trilogy addresses women’s search for emotional evolution from helplessness to empowerment.

In book one, “NH, NP (No Head, No Pain),” the images of the prostrate nude women represent how women were/are cut off from their power. Without a head, there is no pain over not having equal rights. In book two, “AE, AI, (Saving Face),” women confront the thoughts and reactions they must hide in order to achieve equality. The face they save is their own, which they hide behind blank empty stares, as a protective mask. In addition, a drawing of a warrior woman with a double-edged sword that literally and figuratively cuts off both the head or face to public scrutiny, replacing them with masks of silent invisibility that often hides their resentment and resistance while battling for equality. “OO, OY (Body of Work),” book three, is the final stage of feminine emotional evolution. In this ending book of the trilogy, they overcome the challenges and create a life where they can celebrate their newfound powers, freedoms, and continue their fight for equality.

To artists book #1 of the trilogy, "NH, NP (No Head, No Pain)" GO >
To artists book #2 of the trilogy, "AE, AI (Saving Face)" GO >

"Saving Face" - Hand-made artist book by Amy Bassin, Frie J. Jacobs & Mark Blickley

"AI, AE (Saving Face) 1"
Collaboration with Frie J. Jacobs & Mark Blickley
Archival inkjet print, 23"x19"
Edition of 5, 2018

"AI, AE (Saving Face) 2"
Collaboration with Frie J. Jacobs & Mark Blickley
Archival inkjet print, 23"x19"
Edition of 5, 2018

"AI, AE (Saving Face) 3"
Collaboration with Frie J. Jacobs & Mark Blickley
Archival inkjet print, 23"x19"
Edition of 5, 2018

"AI, AE (Saving Face) 4"
Collaboration with Frie J. Jacobs & Mark Blickley
Archival inkjet print, 23"x19"
Edition of 5, 2018

"AI, AE (Saving Face) 5"
Collaboration with Frie J. Jacobs & Mark Blickley
Archival inkjet print, 23"x19"

Edition of 5, 2018

AI, AE (Saving Face)
Book 2 of 3
Hand-made artist book, cover
Collaboration with Frie J. Jacobs & Mark Blickley
Chipboard, linen spine, Jacob's binding
8"x12," 24 pages, Edition of 5, 2018

AI, AE (Saving Face)
Book 2 of 3
Hand-made artist book, title page
Collaboration with Frie J. Jacobs & Mark Blickley
Chipboard, linen spine, Jacob's binding
8"x12," 24 pages, Edition of 5, 2018

AI, AE (Saving Face)
Book 2 of 3, spread
Collaboration with Frie J. Jacobs & Mark Blickley
Archival inkjet prints, acrylic, ink, pencil, Caran D'ache crayons, chipboard, linen spine, paper: Schut, 180gr, Jacob's binding
8"x12," 24 pages, Edition of 5, 2018

Head First Into Emotional Evolution
Installation at1st Feminnale of Contemporary Art, curated by Altyn Kapalova, National Museum of Fine Arts, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 2019

A trilogy of artists' books, Head First Into Emotional Evolution is an artistic response to gender inequalities in a time when American women’s rights are under attack within our right-wing culture. It is a trilogy of hand-made artist books done in collaboration with book artist, visual poet Frie J. Jacobs, writer Mark Blickley and myself. The trilogy addresses women’s search for emotional evolution from helplessness to empowerment.

In book one, “NH, NP (No Head, No Pain),” the images of the prostrate nude women represent how women were/are cut off from their power. Without a head, there is no pain over not having equal rights. In book two, “AE, AI, (Saving Face),” women confront the thoughts and reactions they must hide in order to achieve equality. The face they save is their own, which they hide behind blank empty stares, as a protective mask. In addition, a drawing of a warrior woman with a double-edged sword that literally and figuratively cuts off both the head or face to public scrutiny, replacing them with masks of silent invisibility that often hides their resentment and resistance while battling for equality. “OO, OY (Body of Work),” book three, is the final stage of feminine emotional evolution. In this ending book of the trilogy, they overcome the challenges and create a life where they can celebrate their newfound powers, freedoms, and continue their fight for equality.

To artists book #1 of the trilogy, "NH, NP (No Head, No Pain)" GO >
To artists book #2 of the trilogy, "AE, AI (Saving Face)" GO >

Amy Bassin