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Maneater
Maneater is an artist book in which four stories, in terms of both physical and narrative structure, nestle within one another like Russian nesting dolls. Every time a new character’s name is spoken, the reader is able to remove and read a separate book that follows that character’s life story. The first book’s protagonist is a wealthy shut-in who becomes obsessed with an exotic deity; the three enclosed books reveal the retired businessman’s colonialist past and the history of the deity’s native land. With every book, the narrative as a whole moves backwards chronologically in time. The visual style echoes that of 19th century childrens’ mass-market hardcover adventure books, whose bright and captivating illustrations belied the troubling imperialist messages conveyed within.
Maneater is a limited edition of 50 copies, which, with funding from the Caxton Club and the Albert P. Weisman award, were completely hand screen-printed at Spudnik Press in Chicago. The books were then hand-bound by the artist. For more information or inquiries, please visit hannahbatsel.com.
595
Maneater
Maneater is an artist book in which four stories, in terms of both physical and narrative structure, nestle within one another like Russian nesting dolls. Every time a new character’s name is spoken, the reader is able to remove and read a separate book that follows that character’s life story. The first book’s protagonist is a wealthy shut-in who becomes obsessed with an exotic deity; the three enclosed books reveal the retired businessman’s colonialist past and the history of the deity’s native land. With every book, the narrative as a whole moves backwards chronologically in time. The visual style echoes that of 19th century childrens’ mass-market hardcover adventure books, whose bright and captivating illustrations belied the troubling imperialist messages conveyed within.
Maneater is a limited edition of 50 copies, which, with funding from the Caxton Club and the Albert P. Weisman award, were completely hand screen-printed at Spudnik Press in Chicago. The books were then hand-bound by the artist. For more information or inquiries, please visit hannahbatsel.com.
595