Aggregate is an exhibition of the work of 17 artists, curated by Kirk Pedersen from the roster of visionaries published by his imprint, ZERO+ Publishing. Running the gamut from street art to pop surrealism to illustration to fine art –and sometimes blending genres in ways that defy categorization entirely –this group of artists could hardly be more eclectic. Yet they all share a passion for exploring other dimensions –uncharted territories that are both spatial and emotional, metaphorical and metaphysical. In addition to original artwork by each artist, the gallery will display a number of unique artist-made deluxe box editions that have been created through the collaborative rapport that gradually evolved between these artists and their publisher.

From its inception, ZERO+ established a manifesto of sorts–it would publish limited editions of 1,000 that would never be reprinted, using the finest paper and printing methods available, and most importantly, design and edit each book in collaboration with the artist, recognizing that their insight is integral to creating a truly great book. In consequence, each book would be unique, taking its form according to the innate requirements of each artist's body of work. For many ZERO+ titles, another level of artistry would be revealed with deluxe editions, each of which would include original artwork.

Though Kirk had always intended to create clamshell artist editions of each book he published–like the many special edition photography books that lined his shelves–the idea of creating deluxe boxes was conceived when Kirk connected with Blaine Fontana, a painter, sculptor and graphic designer. Looking around Blaine's studio, paneled and furnished in painstakingly joined reclaimed wood, Kirk was reminded of the primitive handmade boxes from around the world that he had been collecting for many years, and he suddenly realized that he could take the concept of the special edition much farther. With that inspiration, the ZERO+ innovation of custom-made deluxe edition box sets as unique art objects was born.

Since then, ZERO+ has collaborated with an eclectic mix of more than two dozen artists and photographers to create art editions of unparalleled quality and originality. Kirk continues to be intimately involved with every step of the process, from carefully selecting the appropriate collaborators for each book, to meticulous examination of dozens of manuscript edits and printing proofs, to facilitating the creation of the original artworks that comprise the deluxe editions. Aside from the undeniable excellence of the books themselves, what makes ZERO+ unique in the publishing world is Kirk Pedersen's sense of adventure and keen curatorial eye. The editions displayed in this exhibition share with their subjects a resonance and integrity that belie the perception of books as products–for in many ways, these books are themselves works of art.

For more information, please contact info@mkgallery.com / (323) 933-4408