Bård Ionson’s ‘Battledore’ Enters Bodleian Libraries Weston Library Collection as NFT & Physical Artifact
OXFORD, England, Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a groundbreaking fusion of art, technology and blockchain, Bård Ionson’s ‘Battledore’ has found a new home in The Bodleian Library’s Weston Library.” This acquisition, facilitated by the generous donation from curator Robert Bolick, marks a pioneering moment as “Battledore” not only enters one of the world’s most prestigious libraries but also introduces the library to the realm of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), with the digital token secured in its wallet.
The Artwork
“Battledore” is a unique artwork shaped like a traditional hornbook, crafted from wood, and features a detailed photograph of the alphabet, which was ingeniously generated using an oscilloscope. This artistic choice highlights Ionson’s interest in merging historical educational tools with modern technology. The artwork goes beyond static imagery; it includes an augmented reality experience through the Artivive app, where the alphabet letters dynamically transform into logos of well-known companies, offering viewers an interactive journey through the evolution of corporate identity and branding. https://books-on-books.com/2023/07/09/books-on-books-collection-bard-ionson/
https://web.archive.org/web/20231210125928/https://codex-viewer.com/record/3010
Curatorial Contributions
Robert Bolick, a distinguished curator with a deep appreciation for the intersection of art, technology, and education, played a pivotal role in this acquisition. His donation of “Battledore” to The Bodleian Library not only enriches its collection but also underscores his commitment to advancing the dialogue between traditional and digital media in cultural institutions.
Exhibition
Furthermore, Bolick curated an exhibition at the Weston Library titled “Alphabets Alive,” where “Battledore” was prominently featured. This exhibition, archived at visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/event/alphabets-alive, explores the dynamic nature of alphabets through various artworks, celebrating their evolution and the innovative ways they are represented in contemporary art.
Artist Visions
Bård Ionson expressed his excitement about this significant milestone: “Having ‘Battledore’ become part of the Weston Library’s collection is a profound honor, and I am especially grateful to Robert Bolick for his vision and generosity. It’s a bridge between the past and the future, where traditional learning tools meet digital innovation. The augmented reality feature through Artivive adds a layer of interaction, making the piece not just an artifact but a living experience, reflecting the dynamic nature of modern culture.”
The Weston Library, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is an ideal venue for “Battledore,” allowing visitors and scholars to engage with this innovative piece. The integration of such contemporary art into the library’s collection, exemplifies its role as a forward-thinking institution that values the evolution of art and education.
For further information about “Battledore,” the “Alphabets Alive” exhibition, and to contact the artist for inquiries, please visit:
Bård Ionson’s Official Website: https://BardIonson.com
About Bård Ionson
Bård Ionson is a Virginia artist renowned for his work that blurs the lines between physical and digital realities. Utilizing tools like AI, oscilloscopes, blockchain art and augmented reality, his art invites audiences to reconsider the interaction between technology, education, and culture. Currently living near Manassas VA.
About Robert Bolick
Robert Bolick’s Books On Books Collection focuses on artists’ books. Its works have been frequently loaned for exhibitions and a large number, including “Battledore”, have been donated to the Bodleian.
About The Bodleian Library
The Bodleian Library, founded in 1602, is the main research library of the University of Oxford, known for its vast collection of over 13 million items. The Weston Library, part of this esteemed institution, serves as a hub for special collections, now including digital art forms like NFTs, blending historical preservation with modern innovation.
Media Contact:
Bard Ionson
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