When I Was Seventeen: A Portable Exhibition in Book Form
When I Was Seventeen is a portable exhibition presented in book form, inspired by Marcel Duchamp’s La boîte-en-valise (1935–1941). After stepping away from traditional exhibitions, Duchamp focused on a project that encapsulated his artistic career through a collection of small, portable reproductions.
This project reimagines the book as an artistic vessel. It brings together bronze sculptures, drawings, paintings, and 25 years of personal Google search data, blending these elements into a multi-layered reflection on youth and memory. The bronzes, crafted at the renowned Swiss foundry Kunstgiesserei, are inspired by 15th-century Benin craftsmanship, connecting historical artistry with modern technology.
The project also features live music sessions, recorded on cassette and available for download via Spotify, adding an auditory layer to this multimedia experience. With contributions from 15 graphic designers, When I Was Seventeen pushes the boundaries of the book medium—transforming it into an exhibition, performance, and living archive. Like the Bible, where stories transcend the physical pages, this project uses the book to explore deeply personal and universal narratives.
Design direction by
@olu.odukoya
Video edit with
@yh.fong
#artbook #design #bronze #booklover
#mercelduchamp #friezeartfair #contemporaryart
@modernmattermagazine