Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Pecanins, Yani, 1957-
- Abstract:
- The collection comprises eighteen artists' books created by Mexican artist Yani Pecanins. Most of the books are unique (i.e., the artist only made one copy) and incorporate found objects, such as washing boards, spools of thread, newspaper, needles, combs, plates, and clothing fragments. Most are three-dimensional constructs rather than book-like in nature.
- Extent:
- 6.8 linear feet (12 boxes and 1 oversized folder)
- Language:
- The collection is in Spanish and English.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The collection comprises eighteen artists' books created by Mexican artist Yani Pecanins. Most of the books are unique (i.e., the artist only made one copy) and incorporate found objects, such as washing boards, spools of thread, newspaper, needles, combs, plates, and clothing fragments. Most are three-dimensional constructs rather than book-like in nature.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Mexican mixed-media artist Yani Pecanins is best known for her artists' books. Many of her books tell stories about women's lives and incorporate everyday found objects, such as clothing, needles, threads, and pins. Her books often feature handwritten texts exploring sensation, intimacy, and the inner worlds of herself and others.
Pecanins was born in Mexico in 1957 of immigrant German and Catalan parents. Pecanins began creating artists' books in 1977 when she established Cocina Ediciones to publish books and portfolios for artists. Beginning in 1980 she began to create unique artists' books with found objects. In 1984 she established an art gallery and bookstore, El Archivero, with two other artists, Gabriel Macotela and Armando Saez, which only lasted a few years. Pecanins has exhibited her art throughout Mexico and the United States. In recent years, she has created art objects and installations that transcend the book format.
- Acquisition information:
- Acquired in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2007, and 2009.
- Arrangement:
-
This collection is arranged in alphabetical order.
- Rules or conventions:
- Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard
Indexed terms
- Subjects:
- Clothing and dress in art.
Shoes in art.
Childhood in art.
Girls in art.
Women in art.
Artists' books -- Mexico -- 21st century -- Women authors.
Artists' books -- Mexico -- 20th century -- Women authors.
Found objects -- 21st century.
Found objects -- 20th century.
Collages -- 21st century.
Embroidery (visual works) -- 21st century.
Embroidery (visual works) -- 20th century.
Unique books -- 21st century.
Unique books -- 20th century.
Access and use
- Location of this collection:
-
Special Collections and ArchivesThe UCI Libraries, P.O. Box 19557Irvine, CA 92623-9557, US
- Contact:
- (949) 824-3947