In the frame of a long-term research, Susanne Bieri has examined the development and significance of the phenomenon of the artist's book by analyzing around 1,500 titles in the Helvetica collection of the Swiss National Library (NL) and evaluating 112 interviews conducted with international experts. She examined a large number of case studies ranging from early medieval illuminated codices to ephemera and contemporary fanzines.

In 2023, Susanne Bieri founded the artists' book publisher e.bs editionsbierisusanne, with headquarters in Bern, CH and a second office in Bevagna, IT. Since then, she has been producing artists' publications in collaboration with institutions and artists, according to their own rules. Two artists' publications have already been published, the third is in print and four further artists' book projects are in progress: editions bieri susanne - ebs. At this SARN Table, we will have the opportunity to take a closer look at these and other examples of artists’ publications and to discuss their development, production, distribution, etc. The dilemma of finding a universal definition of artists’ books will be at the center of the discussion. Susanne Bieri will speak from her experience as a researcher and publisher and offer us personal insight into the positioning of e.bs in this broad field.