SONNET(S)

This republication of SONNET(S) by Ulises Carrión highlights his pivotal role in artist's books, featuring a poem transformed through 50 unique permutations.

A remarkable piece of permutational conceptualism, SONNET(S) showcases the innovative spirit of Ulises Carrión, a pivotal figure in the realm of artist's books. Known worldwide as one of Mexico's foremost conceptual artists, Carrión significantly shaped the genre with his influential manifesto, The New Art of Making Books (1975). This work emerged shortly after the 1972 release of SONNET(S) and his relocation to Amsterdam, where he established the iconic bookshop gallery, Other Books and So. This venue became a vital platform for artists' publications, paving the way for future hubs like Printed Matter.

SONNET(S) marks a transformative moment in Carrión's artistic journey, transitioning from poetry to the realm of artist's books. The work features a single poem by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, which Carrión explores through 50 distinct typographic and procedural variations. This exploration not only highlights his innovative approach but also reflects the broader conceptual inquiries that characterize his oeuvre.

This republication of SONNET(S) is enriched by new essays contributed by contemporary artists, writers, and scholars from Mexico, Europe, and the United States. These essays provide fresh insights into Carrión's work and its lasting impact on the artist's book movement, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire new generations of creatives.