Various

jury statement

★★
Denmark /// Dänemark
★★

Anthology for Listening Vol. II, published by The Bureau for Listening in Copenhagen, is an artists’ book that explores listening as a critical, creative, and political practice. Bringing together international artists and thinkers, the volume redefines listening not just as hearing, but as a way of being – navigating sound, silence, memory, and embodiment. Contributions include poetic and theoretical reflections, sonic methodologies, reportages, performance documentation, scores, and notes, unfolding across print, online, and live formats.

The design of the book embodies this expanded concept of listening. Conceived as a Swiss brochure with an exposed, black-painted spine, the beautiful and carefully crafted binding exposes rather than hides its structure. The inside flaps are printed in silver, creating a delicate interplay of light and reflection as the book is opened. The inner spine displays the table of contents – an intricate detail that invites closer attention – while the front cover’s embossed typography aligns with the type on the first page, creating a direct visual connection between exterior and content. The outer spine features a barcode and the full list of contributors, transforming a functional element into a graphic statement.

With a limited number of images and a strong emphasis on typography, the publication prioritizes reading as an act of attention. The dynamic typesetting, at times almost dancing across the pages, introduces a sense of movement and rhythm. Every detail – material, sequencing, structure, and surface – has been carefully considered to create a tactile and visual experience that aligns with the book’s central theme. Anthology for Listening Vol. II resists fixed definitions, encouraging readers to slow down, engage, and, above all, listen to others.