Preorder | Birthe Piontek's 'Janus'

Preorders are now available for Janus, a new book of recent works by artist and ECU faculty member Birthe Piontek.

Janus is another iteration of Birthe's ongoing inquiry into the topics of memory and change.

The photographs in Janus were made in the same corner of Birthe's studio as she explores how an artist can find inspiration in the limitations of a specific space. The notion of transformation is depicted by focusing on objects like fruits, vegetables and flowers – items that are commonly associated with the traditional still life genre.

In some images, the objects are photographed alone; in others, Piontek performs with them. In the combination of body and object, a kinship is revealed. Much of the series rests on the idea of an alikeness of all organic matter that is exposed to the forces of change. We all adapt, mutate, grow and decline every day, even if this transformation is mostly invisible to the eye.

Like the ancient Roman god, Janus – the god of beginnings, transitions, and endings – we always try to look into the future while being informed by our past. Thus the current moment, in which change is happening, usually slips by unnoticed.

The book includes an essay by Jason Koxvold, titled Of skin and hair, of bone, and dust.

Several options are available for purchase, including a pairing of the book with one of two handmade, limited edition prints of works featured in Janus.