Photos by Su Blackwell

As modern art goes, sometimes it’s difficult to put our finger on the purpose and meaning of the works, so you might be wondering about the reason for which she is irreversibly damaging books and the meaning of her works. Her motivation?

Paper has been used for communication since its invention; either between humans or in an attempt to communicate with the spirit world. I employ this delicate, accessible medium and use irreversible, destructive processes to reflect on the precariousness of the world we inhabit and the fragility of our life, dreams and ambitions.

Not only has she has taken paper art to a different level by designing paper representations of the actual book contents, but she also has a good reason for this paper mayhem besides art: she didn’t use her works only for art’s sake, she also has commercial projects in which her works of art were and are used. Many international companies and magazines have sought her to design their advertisments or covers. And let’s face it: who doesn’t enjoy a good commercial or a creative billboard?

Su’s work in Ads

Music video for Indah Dewi Pertiwi, Guava Production, Indonesia, Production Design by Su Blackwell

Pilsner Urquell Advertising Campaign

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gVcGnXFsGg

Crabtree and Evelyn, Christmas Marketing Campaign

Advertisment for the Volvo Agency Forsman & Bodenfors, Sweden

Installation at New Town Plaza, Sha Tin, Hong Kong

The Green Party, Sweden

Cover Designs for various magazines

Guardian Weekend

You Inspire Magazine

Libelle

The Times

Photos by Su Blackwell

As much as I would like to say that no harm should ever come to any book, I do believe that artists need to sacrifice something for the sake of art&advertising, books included. So this time, I can honestly say that it’s worth the papershed (or paper-shred) and that this UK artist is definitely on the same page as I am.