Artist's book "Forty"
Book smuggling was unique historic period of Lithuania that lasted from 1864 to 1904. In that period of time Lithuania was part of Russian empire and it was forbidden to read or spread Lithuanian language books in Latin alphabet. Book smugglers (knygnešiai) became one of the most important symbol of Lithuanians resistance to Russification. They were smuggling books that were published across the border and illegally spreading them through the country. Book smuggling became well organised, dangerous and risky activity that made a huge impact to Lithuanian culture.
In this book are represented most important historic moments, memories, personalities or data that are related to book smuggling. This historic period is interpreted through the numbers. Each number gains it’s own meaning and becomes an introduction to different moment of the book. Numbers can express various things. For example, the name of the book “Forty” represents forty years of the law where it was illegal to read or spread Lithuanian books.
Final bachelor’s project
Vilnius Academy of Arts - faculty of Kaunas
Graphic design program
Guided by prof. Virgilijus Trakimavičius
