Can you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Hi! My name is Ming, and I love collecting art books. 

I’m a writer/designer, and I co-run Part Time Book Club, an art book club where art book lovers come together to share their love for art books.

Alongside that, I run a personal platform called Serious Books where I spotlight art books that I’ve collected from around the world and their makers. Lastly, I also make my own books and zines!

My love for books began when I was working as a graphic designer and had the opportunity to work on several book design projects. Being part of the behind-the scenes process of bringing books to life made me fall in love with the craft – especially the flexibility of the medium. There are so many different considerations – even really small ones – that can completely change how you experience a book, and many of these tiny details often go unnoticed. I find it so incredibly interesting and exciting to break down a book by tracing back the step-by-step decisions that shaped it into the book it became. To me, a book isn’t just a one-dimensional object, but a mishmash of many layers coming together to create what we eventually see and hold in our hands.

It’s also so amazing to realise just how many different types of books exist, and how countless themes and stories can and and have been passed from one person to another through this medium. Through the many books we own, it feels almost as if we can be everywhere at once – like travelling without ever having to hop on a plane. To me, realising that books allow humans to connect no matter where we are – the sharing and spreading of information, lives, and stories – is something that truly touches my heart.

 

Are there certain themes, formats, or visual styles in art books that you’re instinctively drawn to?

I wouldn’t say I have a strong preference, but subconsciously, I do find myself being drawn to art books with intricate detailing – especially those that play with materials – or ones that are rich in imagery. Large or slightly unconventional formats also tend to catch my eye. That said, I try not to judge a book by its cover and give every book a fair chance. You never know what you might discover just by picking one up – some of the most unassuming books can hold unexpected surprises that you just might resonate with.

 

 

 

Tell us a bit more about Serious Books. What is it and why did you start it?

I started Serious Books because I found myself collecting so many amazing books and felt a strong urge to share them – like how you’d naturally share something exciting with a friend. That impulse made me think: why not create a platform where anyone who shares the same love for books can experience that joy, and maybe even discover something new?

Serious Books was named as a bit of a contradiction – I actually didn’t want it to be serious at all. I wanted anyone who stumbled upon my posts to feel like they were hearing from a friend sharing a book they found interesting, so the name plays with that irony.

I first started out on Instagram, but I soon realised that Instagram’s caption limit made it hard to dive deeper into the stories – how I came across each book, what makes it special, and the details of its construction. That’s when I launched my Substack. I also began interviewing the creators of self-published zines, because I know firsthand how much effort and courage it takes to put your own book out into the world. I wanted to offer them a space to share their process and ideas, and in doing so, help others better understand and appreciate their work.

 

If your bookshelf had a personality, what would it be like?

That’s such a cute question! I think my bookshelf would be a vibrant, quietly observant person – someone who isn’t talkative unless prompted, but has a world of thoughts and stories to share if you take the time to ask.

 

 

Have you ever regretted buying or not buying a book/zine?

Not that I can recall… I think?

 

What’s a hidden gem in your collection?

I wouldn’t quite call it a hidden gem, but I do think this book is quite understated – it’s Texture of Temperature by artist Suo. The book, centred on Jeju Island, documents and “explains” its beauty through photographic expressions.

I stumbled upon it in an art space/bookstore in Seoul called THE REFERENCE. At the time, it was sold out, and only the display copy remained, which was a bit torn and worn. Initially, I didn’t plan on buying it, but I just couldn’t get it out of my head. Eventually, I asked the staff if they’d be willing to sell me the display copy. After a few phone calls on their end, they agreed – and that’s how I got my hands on this wonderful book.

It’s one I find myself returning to often, for a simple reason: the images are absolutely beautiful. To add, the format is also simple yet thoughtful, with occasional fold-outs that surprise you. It’s not a loud book, but it carries so much meaning. It really feels like I’m holding a piece of Jeju Island in my hands. I also love how it doesn’t rely on text for explanation – it trusts the images to speak for themselves, and they truly do.

 

What is the earliest and latest publication you acquired?

I cannot remember… But I think one of the earliest ‘publication’/zine I acquired was The Ideology of Solidarity (2015) by Eve Yeo. I cannot recall where I got it from as well, but I remember being drawn in by the newspaper format back then, as well as the well-written content within.

The latest publication I picked up is PERFECT CHERRY BLOSSOM by Keiichi Tanaami and Oliver Payne, which I found in the discount bin at SKWAT. It was the last display copy, a little worn and ragged, but I couldn’t pass it up – especially in memory of the late Keiichi Tanaami.

 

What do you generally look for at an art book fair? Do you have tips for navigating the space/exhibitors/content?

Good question! I don’t have any specific advice, as I believe everyone has their own way of exploring and experiencing a fair. But from a practical standpoint, having some cash on hand can definitely save you some hassle. And I guess if I were to share just one personal tip: I’d recommend speaking with the creator or seller if you come across a book that sparks even a hint of curiosity or confusion. As I mentioned earlier about not judging a book by its cover, sometimes all it takes is a brief conversation to uncover something you might’ve otherwise overlooked. A little context can really shift your perspective – especially when factors like language barriers or a crowded booth make it hard to fully take in a book at first glance.

 

Images by Pixie Tan

—

I Am [  ] & These Are My Art Books is an interview series by Thing Books that explores what makes an art book matter through the shelves of those who collect, read, and live with them.