Raffaella della Olga: Typescripts

Raffaella della Olga makes unique artist’s books using modified typewriters and multicolor ink ribbons on a range of materials―from tracing paper to photo paper to sandpaper. Della Olga (b. 1967, Italy; lives and works in France) worked briefly as an attorney before becoming an artist; now, seeking refuge from the limitations of language, she grinds down the characters on her machines and communicates through form, color, texture, and rhythm. Della Olga plays her typewriters like instruments, following a script in some cases and improvising freely in others. Her output includes artist’s books, typed paintings, and cut fabric works.

The first monograph on della Olga, this book features photographic documentation of her singular studio practice; two scholarly essays on her work in relation to conceptual and minimalist art, as well as typewriter art, concrete poetry, and experimental music; a conversation with the artist; and color plates of her work.