I have been creating altered atlases and altered book art since 2015 while I was taking my master of fine arts at Concordia University in Montreal Quebec. I create an altered book using an X-Acto knife and hand cutting message. I slowly cut page by page to create the altered Atlas. So far I have created five different bucks, and I am currently working on the sixth in my series.
Altered Book Art by Jackie Partridge
What is Altered Book Art?
Altered book art is a form of mixed media that involves transforming existing books into new works of art through cutting, folding, painting, collage, and sculptural techniques. While artists have repurposed books for centuries, the contemporary altered book movement gained momentum in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s alongside the rise of conceptual and book arts.
Influenced by earlier avant-garde movements such as Dada and Surrealism, artists began to challenge the idea of books as purely functional objects. Instead, books became a medium for storytelling, memory, and visual experimentation. This shift was also supported by the broader field of book arts, where artists explored the physical structure, sequence, and materiality of books.
What Kinds of Books Can Be Used for Altered Atlases?
Artists use a wide range of books for altered book art, including discarded novels, encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and vintage children’s books. The choice often depends on the desired aesthetic, paper quality, and conceptual meaning—older books with yellowed pages or outdated information are especially popular for their texture and historical feel. Some artists create intricate sculptural carvings within pages, while others build layered collages or paint directly onto text and imagery.
What are Some Different Altered Book Artists?
Notable altered book and book arts artists include Brian Dettmer, known for his detailed book carvings, Tom Phillips, Su Blackwell, who creates delicate book sculptures, and Georgia Russell, recognized for her finely sliced book works. These artists have helped expand the possibilities of altered books as both visual art and conceptual practice.
Burnt to a Crisp
In a recent altered atlas called burnt to a crisp, I used a lighter to slowly burn the pages and manipulate the book to create the look of a dystopian landscape.
I placed this altered atlas on a plinth with a magnifying glass to invite the viewer to look at the chard pieces of the pages of the book.
I enjoy working with atlases because they are dated. Even roadmaps are dates. There is something so nostalgic about using them.
I plan on continuing to work on this series of altered atlases. Whenever I see one at the thrift store -I am always sure to pick it up.
Leave a comment below and let me know what you think about this work.
Be sure to click on one of the icons below to connect with me on social media and see what I am working on.
