Images include: an Ethiopian book from HMML’s collection, HMML staff Dr. Matthew Z. Heintzelman and Dr. Audrey Thorstad, HMML’s logo, Islam Aly’s Ethiopian books, and an image of Islam Aly.
SAturday, August 15; 9–10Am CT, MCBA Classroom
Join us for Beyond the Book featuring Ethiopic codices from the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML). Visiting artist Islam Aly will also share his contemporary Ethiopian bindings for a rich and engaging experience.
Experience bindings from hundreds of years ago and explore the traditions embedded in Ethiopic bookmaking through examples from the 17th and 18th centuries. HMML staff, Dr. Matthew Z. Heintzelman and Dr. Audrey Thorstad, will answer questions and demonstrate proper manuscript handling for a hands-on experience.
Microfilming manuscripts began in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in late 1973 and continued for 20 years, a tumultuous period of unrest in the country. This would be known as the Ethiopian Manuscript Microfilm Library (EMML). Hundreds of libraries had their manuscripts photographed by the EMML team. This forms the world's most important source of texts for scholars of pre-modern Ethiopic culture. Completed microfilm reels were given to Ethiopian partners; around 7,500 copies were shipped to HMML for long-term preservation, cataloging, and scholarly access.
Alongside the digital and microfilm collection of manuscript images, HMML’s physical collection contains several handwritten Ethiopic books and scrolls. Explore historic Ethiopic bindings, in various conditions, and experience the creation of handwritten books that is an ongoing tradition in Ethiopia.
The Hill Museum & Manuscript Library photographs, catalogs, & provides access to manuscripts located in libraries and archives worldwide. HMML’s digital and microfilm collections include photographs of approximately 486,000 manuscripts preserved in partnership with more than 1,500 repositories worldwide. In addition, HMML’s print reference collection holds approximately 50,000 volumes on topics related to manuscripts, printed books, art, liturgy, and monasticism.
Islam Aly (he/him) is a book artist and lecturer of bookbinding at the German University in Cairo. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art Education from Helwan University, and later pursued an MFA in Book Arts at the University of Iowa, where he refined his artistic focus. He went on to complete a Ph.D. in Teaching and Learning with a concentration in Art Education at the University of Iowa.
His practice lies at the intersection of culture, technology, and aesthetics. Drawing on historical bookbinding traditions and integrating digital technologies, Islam reimagines the role of the book in contemporary art. His work pushes the boundaries of book art, offering innovative approaches to how history and technology can coexist on the page.
Immediately following this event, Islam Aly is teaching a workshop featuring the Historical Ethiopian Binding. Advance registration is required for the workshop; space is limited.
Free & Open to AlL
Registration is not required, but encouraged. Refreshments will be provided.
Certificate: Fulfills Advanced artist talk requirement (1 of 3)
