Bookplate, which is a small print attached inside the front cover of a book, is traditionally inseparable from the notion of individuality. Ever since it was originated in Germany in the 15th century, bookplate has been defined by its function as a mark of ownership, so much as that its most significant feature is the display of a book owner’s name. Just as a name can never fully show who one truly is, book owners would look for a more nuanced representation of their persona by commissioning artists to create customized bookplates featuring motifs inspired by their own attributes, such as profession, interests, religion and culture. As a result, the theme of a bookplate can reveal a great deal about the owner and how he wants to be portrayed as an individual.

Nonetheless, bookplate is never merely confined to the personal. Although bookplates are less commonly used for its original purpose nowadays, they are widely collected for their artistic values. Bookplates lovers would even gather through associations and international conferences to exchange their collected works. In this way, bookplates are no longer restricted to one’s library, but become liberated to the wider world for a collective exchange of culture and ideas. It is this transformation of bookplate from an individual to a group or a collection that this exhibition hopes to explore and interrogate. If the function of bookplate can move beyond serving only one particular person, can its subject matter also do the same? And if bookplate takes the form of prints, can it also be effective in promoting social values and delivering social commentary, roles that are conventionally attributed to this medium? Ultimately, can it unite the people in an era where the private realm seems impossible to be detached from their community, society and politics?

This exhibition is divided into three parts. First, Inspiration and Ingenuity is an overview of bookplates in its original context as a more individualistic art form through a collection of international works that show a great variety of styles and themes. Second, Peregrination in Bookplates explores the capability of bookplates as a medium for the promulgation of ideas and social values. In this case, artists have created bookplates on community art in Hong Kong, in the hopes of raising public awareness on existing art objects and heritage in our daily life. Third, by leveraging the potential of bookplates for social commentary and uniting individuals under a common idea, Spirit of the Time showcases works from young emerging artists who voice out their opinions on the present social and political conditions of Hong Kong, which aim to provide a more comprehensive background about the livelihood issues in Hong Kong.

This show combines a multidisciplinary exploration of the cultural significance of the modern artistic styles from both the East and the West. This is through a combined aesthetic and scientific approach to the appreciation and preservation of various cultures and art including traditional and modern techniques such as rubbings, woodcuts, printmaking and computer-generated design (CGD) which will be illustrated vividly on the bookplates. Some exhibits will also be reflective of relevant artists observations, hands-on experience and knowledge across science and the arts disciplines with reference to ancient Chinese art world.