Outer Space Press scours the globe for rare and unusual photographs with a proven track record of authenticity. By collecting these images, they aim to provide a unique glimpse into the history of space exploration.
Uncovering the Hidden Beauty of Forgotten Images: Outer Space Press's Artistic Revival
In an era where digital technology has made it easy to forget the tangible power of physical images, Outer Space Press is on a mission to rediscover and reimagine the beauty of old photographs. The independent publisher, founded by Magda Wysocka and Claudio Pogo, has been scrounging around for decades to collect discarded print media, from vintage magazines and books to forgotten photographs. By hand-crafting artist books from these found materials, Outer Space Press is breathing new life into the overlooked and underappreciated.
The more worn and weathered the original photograph, the more captivating it becomes to Wysocka and Pogo's team. "We're drawn to the older or more misprinted photographs," explains Wysocka in an interview with the publication. This aesthetic approach is rooted in a deep appreciation for the imperfections that come with age – the tears, creases, and fading colors that tell a story of their own. By embracing these flaws, Outer Space Press is able to create unique, one-of-a-kind artist books that not only showcase the original image but also pay homage to the history behind it.
Outer Space Press's fascination with found photography has been years in the making. The duo began collecting and curating materials during their time at art school, where they developed a keen eye for the beauty hidden within discarded objects. As their collection grew, so did their ambitions. They started experimenting with various printing techniques, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with traditional printmaking methods. This passion project eventually blossomed into Outer Space Press, a publisher dedicated to showcasing the artistic potential of overlooked and underappreciated images.
One of the standout features of Outer Space Press's artist books is their attention to detail. From the painstaking selection of individual photographs to the meticulous hand-crafting of each book, every aspect of the process is imbued with care and dedication. The result is a series of publications that not only celebrate the beauty of forgotten images but also serve as a testament to the enduring power of human creativity. Whether it's a worn photograph from the 1950s or a vintage magazine cover from the 1970s, Outer Space Press is able to breathe new life into each image, infusing it with a sense of nostalgia and wonder.
The Outer Space Press team has built an impressive library of found photographic material over the years. From distressed news headlines to faded travel posters, their collection is a treasure trove of forgotten images waiting to be rediscovered. And yet, despite their impressive holdings, Wysocka and Pogo remain committed to seeking out new sources of inspiration. For them, there's no substitute for the thrill of the hunt – scouring thrift stores, estate sales, and antique shops for that elusive gem of a photograph.
This dedication to sourcing has allowed Outer Space Press to stay true to their artistic vision. Rather than relying on mass-produced images or digital reproductions, they choose to work with original photographs, often in a state of disrepair or neglect. By embracing these imperfections, Wysocka and Pogo are able to create unique, handmade artist books that not only showcase the original image but also serve as a testament to their own creative process.
In an era where digital technology dominates our lives, Outer Space Press's commitment to hand-crafted publications is a refreshing respite from the monotony of screens. Their dedication to found photography and artistic revival serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty that can be discovered in even the most overlooked places – a world of worn photographs, vintage magazines, and forgotten images waiting to be rediscovered.
One of the most striking aspects of Outer Space Press's work is their ability to balance the organic and the digital. By combining traditional printmaking techniques with modern design software, they're able to create publications that are both timeless and cutting-edge. This fusion of old and new has allowed them to reach a wide audience, from art students and collectors to designers and artists seeking unique inspiration.
The result is a body of work that's not only visually stunning but also intellectually stimulating. Outer Space Press's artist books invite readers to slow down, appreciate the beauty of forgotten images, and reflect on the stories they tell. Whether it's a poignant landscape photograph or a vibrant portrait from the 1950s, each publication serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world.
As we navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing world, Outer Space Press's commitment to artistic revival is more important than ever. Their dedication to found photography and hand-crafted publications serves as a beacon of hope – a testament to the enduring power of human creativity and the beauty that can be discovered in even the most overlooked places.
Throughout their career, Magda Wysocka and Claudio Pogo have received widespread recognition for their innovative approach to publishing. Their work has been showcased at galleries and museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the National Gallery of Canada. But despite their international acclaim, Outer Space Press remains committed to its core values – a passion for found photography, artistic revival, and the human stories that unfold from the beauty of forgotten images.
For Wysocka and Pogo, there's no greater joy than seeing their work inspire others. "We love watching people discover our publications for the first time," says Wysocka in an interview with the publication. "It's like witnessing a conversation between old and new – the stories that these photographs tell are timeless, but they also speak to something deeper within us." This sense of connection is at the heart of everything Outer Space Press does – creating artist books that not only showcase the beauty of forgotten images but also serve as a testament to the power of human creativity.
As we look to the future, one thing is clear: Outer Space Press will continue to be at the forefront of artistic revival. Their commitment to found photography and hand-crafted publications serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world. Whether you're an artist, designer, or simply someone looking for inspiration, Outer Space Press's work is sure to captivate – a testament to the enduring power of forgotten images and the beauty that can be discovered within them.
