The first issue in the series TRANSLATION IN THE DARK features the first and only translation from Amharic into English of selections of Ethiopian novelist Abe Gubegna’s seminal novel “I Won’t Be Born” (1962). Part 1 also proudly features a new translation (Amharic into English) of poetry by contemporary Ethiopian artist and poet Mihret Kebede. As a series, TRANSLATION IN THE DARK embarks on a mission to employ unorthodox translation methods with the intention of honoring the misunderstandings, mishearings, missed translations, and misinterpretations that multiply and deepen meaning. As a fundamental part of this aim, the series offers a method for the redistribution of roles of author, translator, publisher, editor and reader.

Publishing Class is an imprint of DAI Publications, a collection of artists’ books jointly published by the Dutch Art Institute (DAI) and – Office for Art, Design and Theory in collaboration with the Werkplaats Typografie.

For this year’s LA Art Book Fair the Werkplaats Typografie was investigating the topic of Breaking-even. The Breaking-even publication presents a tangible outcome of the experience of Breaking-even at the LA Art Book Fair. Each workshop served as a chapter in the book and within that each participant’s contribution is represented. The six chapters of the book each present one of the workshops held at the fair, unraveling the mystery of breaking-even.

‘Teaching Objects’ is a journey through art and culture. Jeroen Lutters takes us to see a number of artworks that give new insights into the foundations of twenty-first century civilisation and humanity. In this highly personal and passionate account, he discusses his individual choice of great works works that not only reflect the history of Western culture, but also continue to be a source of inspiration and meaning.