The Morris Museum in Morristown has unveiled an exhibition that brings the written word to life in a way few have seen before. In “Contemporary Volumes,” nine internationally acclaimed artists reinterpret the book not as an object to be read, but as a canvas for expansive, conceptual expression. The result is a bold and immersive design-centered showcase that examines how the enduring symbol of the book continues to inspire contemporary artmaking across mediums and cultures.
Each artist in the exhibition approaches the idea of the book through a distinctive lens — sculptural, architectural, visual, and even philosophical. The show explores the transformation of books from vessels of language into monumental forms that engage with space, structure, and meaning. Visitors will find themselves navigating large-scale installations, intricate paper constructions, and multimedia pieces that challenge traditional perceptions of what a “book” can be.
Curated with precision and imagination, the exhibition captures the emotional and intellectual power of the book as an artistic object. From the delicate folds of handmade paper to the monumental reinterpretation of literary form, every piece carries the heartbeat of storytelling in physical form. The artists featured hail from diverse regions and creative backgrounds, yet they share a common fascination with how words, design, and materiality intersect in contemporary culture.
This isn’t an exhibition for passive viewing — it’s an invitation to rethink our relationship with books in an age where reading is increasingly digital and ephemeral. Each artwork becomes an exploration of memory, identity, and imagination, turning familiar forms into something tactile, monumental, and deeply personal. The scale of these works alone demands attention, but it’s their quiet conceptual depth that lingers long after visitors leave the gallery.
The Morris Museum has long been a cornerstone of New Jersey’s cultural landscape, known for exhibitions that blend art, science, and design in compelling and unexpected ways. “Contemporary Volumes” continues that tradition, offering both an intellectual journey and a visual spectacle that celebrates the boundless creativity found in the intersection of art and literature.
For art lovers and design enthusiasts alike, this show is a must-see. It’s an opportunity to witness how international artists reinterpret the most classic symbol of knowledge — the book — through contemporary eyes. The works on display challenge conventions, asking whether a book must always be read to be understood, or if it can also be seen, felt, and experienced as art in itself.
Those interested in exploring more of New Jersey’s thriving art scene can find additional highlights and upcoming cultural events at Explore New Jersey’s Art & Culture section.
The exhibition stands as both a tribute to the timeless allure of the printed word and a testament to its continued evolution in modern art. In a world where creativity constantly redefines form and function, “Contemporary Volumes” reminds us that inspiration can be found not just in the words we read, but in the spaces they inhabit.
