The award ceremony of the Stiftung Buchkunst 2024 was an evening that delighted not only avowed print lovers but also those who appreciate books as art objects. The magnificent ambience of the Museum Angewandte Kunst in Frankfurt am Main provided the perfect setting for the award ceremony for the extraordinary book "Holy Smoke: Censers Across Cultures". This work, designed by Kaj Lehmann and published by Hirmer Verlag in Munich, received the "Stiftung Buchkunst Prize", endowed with 10,000 euros, for the artistic way in which it was conceived as a unique work of art.
A work of irrationality
Even the first glance at "Holy Smoke" gives you an idea that this is a special work: Wrapped in carbon paper and wrapped in a bright orange banderole, the book is an experience as soon as you unpack it. But be careful: if you remove the packaging, you become part of this work of art yourself, as the black charcoal stains your fingers and leaves marks on the gray cover. A book that is characterized not only by its content, but also by its feel and interaction with the reader - a truly unique piece that only really comes to life in the hands of its owner.
The theme of the book - ritual smoke and the vessels in which it is prepared - takes us on a fascinating journey through different religions and eras. The jury was clear: "Holy Smoke" is a feast for the senses and a bold masterpiece that will stand out on any bookshelf. "Louis XV could have placed this book on his famous secretary in the Palace of Versailles," enthused jury member Markus Klose in his laudatory speech. A book that not only needs to be read, but also experienced - a work of unreasonableness that is rare.
The excellent work was printed by the Vogl printing company, the Terbeck bookbindery was responsible for the binding, and CP Chronos Papertime was responsible for the packaging.
The award for young book design
But "Holy Smoke" was not the only highlight of the evening: the Stiftung Buchkunst also used the festive setting to honor the winners of the "Young Book Design Award". Three projects that take the medium of the book to the next level in an innovative way were each awarded 2,000 euros: Anja Dietmann with Jonas Beuchert for "Umsatzübersicht", Elfi Handina Murandu for "A Book about Hair" and Johanna Behrens for "Wölfinnen". These young designers prove that the future of books is anything but monotonous and that courageous and creative minds are still needed to break new ground in book production.
To the catalog of Neue Gestaltung
The crowning glory of the evening was the presentation of the new "Most Beautiful German Books 2024" catalog, which was designed by the Berlin-based team Neue Gestaltung . The catalog is not only an overview of the award-winning works, but also an impressive example of what good book design can achieve. Anyone interested in this catalog can already pre-order it from their favorite bookstore.
The book is alive - and how!
The award-winning books are now going on a major traveling exhibition and will be on display at various locations in Germany and abroad. An absolute must for anyone who is enthusiastic about the art of the book!
With its competitions and award-winning books, the Stiftung Buchkunst provides important impetus in the book industry. Because at a time when there is often speculation about the future of the printed book, it shows: The book is alive - and how! It is not only a carrier of information, but also a sensual experience that impresses with its quality and creativity. Anyone who has ever held one of these extraordinary books in their hands will understand why the printed book is far from obsolete.
More about the work of the Stiftung Buchkunst
All dates and locations of the traveling exhibition can be found here
More details on the award for young book design
Carolin Blöink from the Stiftung Buchkunst will also be speaking at the Creative Paper Conference 2024, click here for the full program
