Books vs. technology to be sculptor’s topic

Chicago native Brian Dettmer, an artist who sculpts with vintage books and other antiquated media, will discuss his works and the future of books at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, in Aurora University’s Crimi Auditorium, 1347 Prairie St., Aurora.

Dettmer, who now lives in Atlanta, will give a lecture illustrated with 50 slides in 50 minutes. The event is free and the public is invited. For reservations or information, call (630) 844-4924 or email artsandideas@aurora.edu.

Dettmer, a leading international artist, will chronicle his creative evolution from paintings about books to books as sculpture material. He will also explore the history of books and discuss their future with 21st-century technology.

Dettmer is known for his detailed and innovative sculptures with books and other forms of antiquated media. His work has been exhibited internationally in several galleries, museums and art centers, including the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, Museum of Contemporary Art in Georgia, the International Museum of Surgical Science in Illinois, Museum Rijswijh in the Netherlands, Wellcome Collection in England, and the Bellevue Arts Museum in Washington state.

His work also can be found in several public and private collections throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe, Australia and Asia.

Dettmer’s sculptures have gained International acclaim through Internet bloggers and traditional media.

In 2011 his work was featured on the cover of Book Art published in Berlin and discussed in a historical context in Bookwork, published by The University of Chicago Press. His work is also scheduled to be in several group shows, including “40 under 40” at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution.