250x200mm Books
4pp Cover onto 350gsm Uncoated
Matt Lamination to outer
36pp Text onto 150gsm Silk
Four colour print throughout
Trimmed, collated and perfect bound
Immersed in the vibrant artistic culture of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Addis Fine Art has emerged as a pioneering platform for contemporary artists from Ethiopia and its diaspora. The gallery’s expansive reach, which extends to its second location in London, enables a wide range of voices to be heard, fostering global conversations that challenge, captivate, and inspire.
A stellar embodiment of this mission is the recent exhibition featuring the work of Ethiopian master painter Tadesse Mesfin. The mesmerising pillars of colour that define Mesfin’s work become the heart of the beautifully crafted exhibition catalogues, encapsulating the compelling fusion of Ethiopian culture, modernism, and abstract art.
Tadesse Mesfin’s work represents a convergence of tradition and modernity, characterised by his signature ‘pillar’ figures – long, colourful, geometric representations of women, often market vendors from his home city of Addis Ababa. Mesfin’s art is as much a celebration of these women’s resilience and hard work as it is a critical commentary on their societal status.
This amalgamation of culture, vibrancy, and social discourse was recently showcased in a solo exhibition at Addis Fine Art’s London gallery, a testament to Mesfin’s growing international recognition.
In order to provide art enthusiasts and collectors an opportunity to delve deeper into Mesfin’s work, Addis Fine Art took the visionary step of encapsulating the exhibition within a beautifully designed and meticulously crafted catalogue. This decision is where our journey as a print partner with Addis Fine Art began.
The print specifications of the book reflected the ethos of Mesfin’s work, mirroring the blend of simplicity and vibrancy. The catalogue, a neat 250x200mm book, consisted of a four-page cover printed onto 350gsm uncoated paper, with a Matt Lamination on the outer surface to give it a sleek, modern finish.
The 36-page text was printed onto 150gsm Silk paper, chosen for its luxurious texture and ability to render colours vibrantly and accurately – a critical aspect considering the colour-rich nature of Mesfin’s work. To ensure consistency and quality, we used four colour print throughout the process. Once printed, the pages were trimmed, collated, and perfect bound to create a visually appealing and durable catalogue.
But our relationship with Addis Fine Art didn’t end with the successful creation of the Tadesse Mesfin catalogues. As a leading artist catalogue printing expert, we at Ex Why Zed have the tools and expertise to assist galleries, artists, and curators in creating exceptional print products. Whether you’re looking to create promotional folded leaflets, event booklets, or exhibition catalogues, our user-friendly project builder ensures a seamless, customisable experience.
Our portfolio is rich with varied examples of successful collaborations. The Hales Gallery’s Frank Bowling catalogues mirror the artist’s abstract expressionism, while Sabina Savage’s collection lookbooks fuse fashion and print with whimsical themes. The Soapbox Press’s ‘Shelving the Body’ book and the Matt Dixon’s ‘Transmissions 2’ stand testament to our versatility, catering to both artistic and commercial projects.
In the case of the Michelle Jack ‘WolfSkull’ Inktober book, we helped transform a month-long drawing challenge into a tangible testament of creativity. You can explore these and other successful collaborations in our comprehensive portfolio.
Printed exhibition catalogues, like the Tadesse Mesfin catalogues, do more than document an artist’s work or a gallery’s exhibition – they act as a conduit, bridging the gap between the audience and the art, and enabling deeper, more intimate engagement. A well-produced catalogue also has the potential to extend the life of an exhibition, reaching art lovers who couldn’t make it to the show.
In an increasingly digital world, there’s something profoundly engaging about the tactile experience of turning the pages of a beautifully crafted book. This is where we, at Ex Why Zed, come in – to transform your digital vision into print reality.
If you’re looking to create gallery exhibition booklets, the Tadesse Mesfin catalogues present a compelling case study of the impact that well-designed, high-quality printed materials can have. Let Ex Why Zed guide you in transforming your artistic vision into a tangible narrative, one that engages, captivates, and inspires.
