Niamh O'Malley: GATHER

Gather by Niamh O'Malley was published by Temple Bar Gallery + Studios and launched at the opening of the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia in April 2022. This visual document and object augments O’Malley’s exhibition – the national representation of Ireland at the Venice Biennale – with new images and writings, including commissioned responsive texts by Brian Dillon, Lizzie Lloyd and Eimear McBride. The book also includes contributions from Niamh O'Malley and the Temple Bar Gallery + Studios Curatorial Team, Clíodhna Shaffrey and Michael Hill.

Producing the book was at once a gently slow-burning, and frantically accelerated process. From loose discussions early on in the design process, and the development of the graphic identity, we discussed typefaces, colour and layout approaches. We met in Niamh's studio, each bringing a selection of our favourite books to share with each other and pore over – discussing what we liked and didn't like; what felt 'right' in terms of scale and presence, and what form the book might take to best represent Niamh's new body of work. After deciding on a printer that felt like the right fit, we discussed materials, binding and special finishes – looking at paper samples, doing test prints. The writings – and their Italian translations – trickled in, and everything began to take form.

The decision to use a high-gloss varnish covering each page that featured an installation photograph from the exhibition soon became integral to the book's form. The idea was to have two distinct threads running through the publication; writings – some punctuated by black and white images – were interspersed with groupings of large, full-colour images of the installation, glistening under the high-gloss varnish.

The gentle pace of the book design process was to pick-up dramatically in Spring 2022. With the decision made to include installation photographs from Venice, and a clear timeline set in stone by the printer, everything had to be lined-up precisely. With the installation complete and floors swept, photographer Ros Kavanagh flew to Venice to photograph the work in the space. Within days, images were edited and we added the photos and worked on the rhythm and flow of the book, constantly reassessing as we went. Many decisions ended up being made swiftly; partly out of necessity, but also due to a sense of clarity that had come at this stage in the process.

The book was printed with immense care by Die Keure in Belgium – the bulk of the books arriving at the Arsenale by boat on the morning before the launch, in all their glossy glory.