In 2011, Adelene Koh attended the New York Art Book Fair and developed a passion for bookbinding. Her journey in this craft began with professional training in Japan, followed by a stint in London. Currently, she operates her studio, dddots, in Taiwan. This year, Koh was among the 30 finalists for the Loewe Foundation Craft Prize, an award recognizing innovative artisanship across various fields.
Koh combines the precision and tradition of bookmaking to craft distinctive sculptures with paper and thread. Her piece titled “Endless” was featured in the exhibition of shortlisted artists. This work is a cylindrical structure reminiscent of an ouroboros, crafted from meticulously folded paper and adorned with colorful stitched edges. According to a statement, “The result is an endless loop of a book’s spine and fore-edge bound together by the English endband sewing techniques from the 18th and 19th centuries.”
Though sewn endbands are typically concealed within a book’s cover and often match the color of the binding, Koh elevates this overlooked element through vibrant hues and rhythmic designs. She explains, “I’m interested in bringing hidden elements of books into focus. I’m drawn to the overlooked, the sidelined, the parts that quietly support everything else.”
This year’s competition was won by Jongjin Park, while Xanthe Somers, another finalist, might be familiar to Colossal readers. For more of Koh’s work, visit her Instagram.
