Dublin Art Book Fair 2023

Dublin Art Book Fair, Ireland’s leading art book fair and centre for artist books, presented its thirteenth edition in 2023. Taking place in Temple Bar Gallery + Studios over ten days, DABF champions small, creative independent publishers, and both Irish and international artist books. Within this mix, over 500 newly published and unusual publications on art, design, visual culture, philosophy, architecture, select fiction and poetry were featured alongside a special selection of nominated books by Guest Curator Wendy Erskine.

Wendy Erskine's theme Polyphonic, was celebrated further through a programme of talks, readings, workshops, book events and participatory events. Interested in the innumerable viewpoints, stories or perspectives that can originate from a single source, Erskine’s theme celebrated the creation of artwork that brings multiple voices together.

Erskine writes, "multiple voices; multiple narratives; multiple perspectives: the polyphonic. Whether it’s simultaneous or sequenced, whether it’s in visual art, text or sound, let’s celebrate polyphony in all its complexity and contrariness. Let’s explore this non-hierarchical, democratic mode which allows for plurality of expression and response. The polyphonic, a challenge to the controlling, totalising ‘I'."

The graphic identity was built around a psychedelic, kaleidoscopic type treatment responding to these themes, and was rolled-out across signage, wall programme, tote bags, bookmarks and social media.

Dublin Art Book Fair is saluted for how it embraces arts practices, publishing and artist-run culture at the intersection of art, design, writing, contemporary culture and contemporary life.