Mikhail Karasik: Self-Portrait (exhibition catalogue).

Self-Portrait (exhibition catalogue). By Mikhail Karasik. M.K. Publishers, 2003. 95pp., numerous illustrations, 13.25" x 8.5". Limited edition of 300 numbered copies.

"Mikhail Karasik is one of the most active and committed followers of the genre of artist’s books in Russia.

[He] was born in Leningrad in 1953 [and] lives and works in St. Petersburg. His media are easel and book graphics, posters and objects.

[...]

Mikhail Karasik has displayed his art at numerous national and international exhibitions since 1978, but has fully dedicated himself to artist’s books since 1987. Having provided an interface between early 20th century futurist publications and experimental publishing projects in the 1980s, Mikhail Karasik’s books are sought after by both private collectors and museums.

[...]

Karasik’s favorite technique is lithography, but he also employs photography, collage and serigraphy. His main subjects are Russian literary avant-garde from the 1910s through the 1920s, episodes from the Bible, oriental and, specifically, Central Asian motifs, and modern Russian poetry. The artist frequently uses his own textual material which is, in fact, highly appropriate for the genre of artist’s books, where everything – the text, lithographic printing, binding and covers – is usually the author’s creation."

What gives an extra layer to his work is that "private publishing had been banned in Russia since the late 1920s, resulting in many decades of hiatus in artist’s book publishing and all experimentation in book form."

"To date Mikhail Karasik has published more than 50 books, albums and book objects."

(UPDATE: some modifications to the original text done by me for clarification.)

Go here for M.K. Publishers (they no longer have any available copies of this book as far as I can understand), here for Mikhail Karasik and here (or here) to search for a copy to buy.