Meredith Ivey Santaus

I am interested in the book and print history of modernism as an integral part of its visual and material culture. This history includes and is dependent up the interplay between fine and private presses, commercial publishers, little magazines, and glossy mass market periodicals. My line of inquiry situates these formats of print as sites of negotiation between literature, modern art, and mechanical reproduction. A particular focus is the habit among modernists to recruit print to mediate medieval visionary culture. Of note are W. B. Yeats, Georges Bataille, H.D., and David Jones. My method necessarily incorporates other modern forms of mechanical reproduction, and I often find critical support in film and photography.

I have also worked as a bookseller and gallery curator for a rare book firm, and maintain an interest in the book market and principles of exhibition. My work in that arena has resulted in exhibitions, relationships with curators and book artists, lectures, and published catalogues.

 

Education:
M.A., Ph.D., English, Boston University (in progress)
M.L.I.S., Library Science, Simmons University (2019)
M.Litt. The History of the Book, University of St Andrews (2017)
Dissertation: “William Clark’s Sketch-Maps and the Identity of the Early Republic”
B.A., English and Classics, Wellesley College (2016)

Selection of Exhibits Curated
“Almost at 100: Works by Gunnar Kaldewey,” Bromer Gallery, June 6 – December 6, 2022
“Pressing Issues: Voices for Justice in the Book Arts,” Bromer Gallery, May 24 – August 20, 2021
“Robin Price: Spirit Compass,” Bromer Gallery, October 1 – December 18, 2020
“Barry Moser: The Storied Artist,” Bromer Gallery, May 17 – August 16, 2019

Recent Presentations
Panelist, “Ticknor Society Collector’s Roundtable: Interactions and Applications for Artists’ Books,” Boston International Antiquarian Book Fair, November 12, 2022
Panelist, “Venues, Interactions, and Critical Resources for Acquisitions,” Collecting Artists’ Books in Academic Libraries Conference, Wellesley College, August 5, 2022
“Book/Art/Work: A New Terminology for Artist Books,” Collecting Artists’ Books in Academic Libraries Conference, Wellesley College, August 3, 2022