Schema Magazine

Photo courtesy of mymodernmet.com

In a small Alpine village, old books have been given a new lease on life. The Swiss town of Romainmôtier, near France, has become known for its annual used book fair. Not because the sale features rare gems, but because of what is done with the unsold books. Since, Romainmôtier boasts stunning medieval architecture and is famous for its Romanesque church, Swiss artist Jan Reymond decided to use these two inspirations for his pieces.

Since 2005, Reymond has been creating quite grandiose installations that mimic the commune's architectural style. He fills the towns arches and doorways by painstakingly stacking and suspending individual books; he has been able to create elaborate designs that are truly breathtaking. Instead of overwhelming the host structure, the books bring the space to life.

It is great to see artists push artistic borders and manipulate different mediums. I am a book lover, and it is always a shame when old used books are thrown away. Reymond has found a way to salvage these treasures and display them in a way befitting of their beauty.

To see more images of Reymond's creations, check out mymodernmet.com.