This project began with a brief to create a series of art works, based on a personally chosen theme, drawing inspiration from a given contemporary artist. The chosen theme was sleep paralysis and the artist, Louise Bourgeois.

Sleep paralysis is a condition experienced occasionally or regularly by many whilst sleeping, characterised by the sensation of being conscious and yet paralysed. It is a subject that has been addressed throughout history in folklore, literature, the visual arts and more recently in psychology.

Louise Bourgeois is known for her psychoanalytical approach to subjects relating to human instinct and the subconscious. As such, her work is an inspiring reference in treating the subject of sleep paralysis.

The purpose of the book was to compile the illustrations produced for the assignment, whilst providing supportive explanatory information – including a description of the project, a brief biographical essay on Louise Bourgeois, and a scientific article on sleep paralysis.

However, the illustrations are intended to visually communicate a narrative or experience independently of factual information. As such, image and text are presented separately in the book.

The illustrations “float” on a continuous page which expands as a concertina, reflecting the process of free association. The main text is compiled in a separate leaflet, typeset in the conventional Times New Roman typeface. It is interrupted by nonsensical variations of the hand-written title, representing the verbal aberrations which occur in the semi-conscious state.

book-binding: Evangelia Biza [evangeliabizabookbinding.blogspot.com/]