A pamphlet about a work of art that is created through the text and is also the pamphlet itself. What do we hope for from a work of art? What do we imagine a work of art promises us?
"This work of art does not boast that it was made in London or Paris or China, or made with love. Be content to know only that it was made for a reason. Tell yourself that you are that reason, although the artist may not have been conscious of this at the time. This work of art knows that you want art that feels different every day, just as you are a different person on Tuesday mornings and Friday nights. On Sundays, it will be your companion to be sad with. This art will not mirror you. It will move with you. It will be both a bird poised before flight and a bird curled close to your breast, keeping your breath regular with quivering wings. 'Own the space – the space is yours to occupy,' this work of art says. Not every city is taken up with restaurants and taxis. Remind the Uber-Eats cyclist jumping the red light that Nikki’s chow mein is not worth getting run over for." [extract from This Work of Art by Elizabeth Briggs]
The first 25 copies are hand-sewn.
Publication date: 10 June 2020
Elizabeth Briggs works for independent publisher Saqi Books. Her writing has been published in publications including The Punch Magazine and TACO! and she has been named as a Commended Foyle Young Poet. Elizabeth has volunteered with various book and literacy initiatives and is currently helping the Feminist Library rehome. She was born in Worcester and now lives in Golders Green, London. You can find her and her writing on twitter @elegyforlota.
