Math Monahan’s books tell stories about life and death. But he’s not an author. His work does not rely on words.

Instead, the Ann Arbor-based artist bases his work on the books themselves – the physical objects, not the abstract ideas they contain within. Look at his pieces and you can’t help but feel the books are alive. Even without reading a word of the printed material, you can see each book tells a story of its own.

Monahan is currently attending the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and working towards a Master of Fine Arts.

The Skinny:

Fun Fact: When Monahan is frustrated or overwhelmed, he makes crowns. And, yes, he does wear them.
Math Monahan
mathmonahan.com
math@mathmonahan.com

"Between" by Math Monahan Braided set of encyclopedias Note: This image is from one of the two rings that make up the installation. This one was installed in the Hatcher Graduate Library at the University of Michigan Photo credit: Math Monahan — "Between" by Math Monahan
Braided set of encyclopedias
Note: This image is from one of the two rings that make up the installation. This one was installed in the Hatcher Graduate Library at the University of Michigan
Photo credit: Math Monahan

His artwork is “a study in the power of objects and our relationship with them.” Monahan’s art series “Between” and “Specimen” explore books as an organism. Viewers are asked to examine books as evolving creatures that have increased in population, but are now facing possible extinction.

We had a chance to ask Monahan about his artwork and learn more about his inspiration.

Tell me about the type of work you do.

Such a big question. It's hard to describe my work as a whole. Sometimes I think my work bounces around randomly, but it isn't until much later that I can see the connections. More recently, I would describe myself as a maker of objects. I'm exploring the power of objects and our relationship with them. Even my photography feels like an object to me or documents of objects. Some don't even feel complete until they become a part of objects.

"Specimen 01913" by Math Monahan Inkjet print Photo credit: Math Monahan — "Specimen 01913" by Math Monahan
Inkjet print
Photo credit: Math Monahan

Where do you find inspiration for your work?

It's hard to say. Inspiration can come from anywhere at any time. In my book-work, the inspiration often comes directly from the form of the book. I think of it as both inspiration and a constraint, but in a constructive way. In "Specimen" I created a fictional history of the book as an organism to broaden the possibilities of its future. In a way, I think this is the foundation of my interest in book arts, the future of the book. I'm not saying that I want to stop the digitization of the book. That's not my place. My work is an attempt to look at the book from another angle. Not as a format for fiction or information but as an act of stillness or a container for experience.

Who are some of your favorite artists?

Book artist, Julie Chen. A lot of people work with books but there is something in her work that makes me want to look at it for hours. I can't wait until the day that I can get my hands on one. Chen's use of simplicity and complexity is perfectly orchestrated. And her craft… the work is beautiful. I have a strong passion for craft. The time and precision put into a piece changes it in a way. Its beauty becomes an invitation to the viewer. You are able to approach a piece and explore it without tripping over disjointed pieces. Something as simple as rough edges can really fracture an experience. Of course this all comes down to intention.

What do you want to inspire in people when they view your art?

Stillness. Each pieces involves different elements depending on the idea, but stillness is something I try to incorporate where I can. There are different ways of doing this. In "Between,” I was able to bring stillness to the foreground. I ask the viewers to hold themselves in the same space as the installation. In the effort to do this, your mind and thoughts slow as they focus. They no longer bounce around to varying places and the stillness is reached through the attention to space (physical or otherwise).