Title | The Spice Series |
Subtitle | 4 Spices |
Artist / Creator | Islam Aly |
Place of Publication | Iowa City, IA |
Publication Date | 2013 |
Book Binder | Two needle Coptic sewn on wooden boards |
Medium / Materials | Different spices couched between layers of handmade flax paper, linen thread, cotton thread. Couching one sheet of paper then arranging spices on the page, and couching another sheet on top, so that the spices are sandwiched between the two layers of paper, then sewing over the completed sheets. |
Paper Stock | Handmade flax |
Number of Pages | 128 |
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 5 x 4 x 1.8 inches |
Edition Size | Unique |
The Spice Series by Islam Aly -SOLD!
Spices have always been known for enhancing flavor and aroma. However, which kind of spices needed, when to add them, and in what quantities? This process is similar to preparing fiber and producing paper by hand. In my book, I wanted to document the spices we use at home in Egypt. In addition, I wanted to show how these spices appeal to the five senses in a book that have a unique touch and smell. I used four different spices: black pepper, clover, cardamom, and coriander. Each spice reminds me of a memory: my mother’s cooking, walking through the old streets of Cairo, drinking herbal tea in cold winters and sharing food with family and friends. I document these experiences and give the audience the opportunity to reflect on their own experiences when viewers smell, touch and see the pages of the book.
Artist Bio
Islam Aly received a BA and an M.A. in Art Education from Helwan University, Egypt. He is currently a Doctoral Candidate, College Of Education, Art Education program, University Of Iowa. In 2011 he joined the MFA program at the University Of Iowa Center for the Book. He use the historical and cultural references from historical models in his book art. He is exploring ways to use the rich structure of historical books in teaching contemporary artists' book practice.