Hidden Books - the Art of Kumi Korf is a documentary film that explores the world of book arts through the eyes of a Japanese artist named Kumi Korf. The film provides a unique perspective on the art of bookmaking and demonstrates how Kumi's creative process and cultural background are intertwined. The film begins with an introduction to Kumi's background and family history. Growing up in Japan, Kumi was surrounded by the traditional ink painting and calligraphy of her father, who was also an artist. She later moved to the United States to pursue her education and career, and it was there that she began to experiment with bookmaking.
Throughout the film, Kumi discusses her creative process and the inspiration behind her pieces. She explains that her work is heavily influenced by nature, and that she often incorporates botanical elements into her book designs. She also discusses the importance of symbolism in Japanese culture, and how she uses this symbolism to create meaningful and powerful pieces.
The documentary is filled with stunning visuals of Kumi's artwork, showcasing the intricate details and textures of her pieces. Viewers are taken on a journey through her studio, where they witness her creating her art in real-time. We see her using traditional Japanese papermaking techniques, such as Kozo paper, and she even goes so far as to make her own inks from natural materials.
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is Kumi's exploration of different bookmaking techniques. She discusses the history of bookbinding and shows us how different cultures throughout history have used various materials and techniques to create books. We see her experimenting with different bindings, such as Japanese stab binding, and creating unique covers and spines using a variety of materials.
In addition to showcasing Kumi's art, the film also provides insight into the book arts community. We see Kumi interacting and collaborating with other book artists, attending book fairs, and discussing the current state of the industry. The film touches on the challenges facing book artists, such as the rise of digital books, and the importance of preserving traditional bookmaking techniques.
Overall, Hidden Books - the Art of Kumi Korf is a beautifully shot and deeply insightful look into the world of book arts. Kumi's passion for her craft is palpable throughout the film, and her commitment to preserving traditional bookmaking techniques is truly inspiring. Whether you are an artist, a book lover, or simply appreciate the beauty of handmade objects, this film is a must-see.
Hidden Books - the Art of Kumi Korf is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 29 hours.
