Book Dissections by Brian Dettmer

The Encyclopedia of Architecture

Totem

Encyclopedias of World Travel

A History of the Modern World (Detail)

Artist Brian Dettmer creates stunningly intricate sculptural works by meticulously dissecting and altering books.

In this work I begin with an existing book and seal its edges, creating an enclosed vessel full of unearthed potential. I cut into the surface of the book and dissect through it from the front. I work with knives, tweezers and surgical tools to carve one page at a time, exposing each layer while cutting around ideas and images of interest. Nothing inside the books is relocated or implanted, only removed.

via My Modern Metropolis

photos by Brian Dettmer