News

The Most Beautiful Books 2023 - The Finnish Book Arts Committee awarded several Aaltonians

Published: 15.4.2024

Aalto University's staff and alumni were awarded in various categories, among others, Unfolding Public Art at Aalto University, a book about the university's public art and art curation received a mention

Front and back covers of book called Unfolding Public Art. Text in red, book covers in sand colour. — The cover of the Unfolding Public Art at Aalto University. Graphic design and layout is by Ilona Ilottu/Dog Design. Image: Aalto University/Outi Turpeinen

Several Aaltonians were awarded in the Most Beautiful Books 2023 collection published on 26 March 2024. The aim of the collection is to draw attention to the book as an artistic whole. Aalto alumn, graphic designer and illustrator Liisa Kallio's book Kädellisten sukua – Piirroksia ihmisyydestä, Humanity in Drawings was awarded as the Most Beautiful Book 2023. The Finnish Book Arts Committee annually selects a collection of the year's most beautiful books.

Kuusi henkilöä hymyilee ja katsoo kohti kameraa palkinnonjakotilaisuudessa kirjastossa. — Annu Ahonen, Outi Turpeinen, Ilona Ilottu, Tuomas Kortteinen, Arja Karhumaa and Päivi Helander at the Most Beautiful Book 2023 event.

The printed book as one form of expression

The year’s most successful book covers form a group of its own. Unfolding the Public Art at Aalto University, a book about the collections and curation of public art at Aalto University and edited by the Aalto University’s Head of Art and Exhibitions team Outi Turpeinen, was considered one of the most successful covers in 2023.

Aalto alumn Ilona Ilottu was responsible for the graphic design of the book, who was also awarded for the graphic design of Isa Kukkapuro-Enbom's Sininen ovi book. Ilottu recently received an honorable mention in the Best Book Design from all over the World competition for the graphic design for Elina Brotherus' book Sebaldiana. Memento Mori.

Along with Aalto alumni, Aalto personnel were also among the awarded. Managing Editor (Aalto ARTS Books) Annu Ahonen, Associate Professor Arja Karhumaa and University Teacher Päivi Helander were also awarded for their skillful contribution to book art. Tuomas Kortteinen, a University Teacher at the University of Arts and Design, served as a member of the Most Beautiful Books 2023 preliminary jury and jury.

Letterpress skills and overall design are valued

When choosing the most beautiful books of the year, the Committee tries to find works where form and content support each other as well as possible. The starting point for evaluating works is the overall graphic design, beginning with the typography and ending with the finished printed product. As well as classical printing skills, the Committee values fresh and new creative solutions.

27 books from five different categories were selected for the Most Beautiful Book 2023 collection: fiction books, information and textbooks, art and photo books, children's and youth books, and comic books. In addition, 10 successful book covers were awarded. The collection travels to exhibitions in Finland and Europe. In the cafe gallery of the National Library, the books are on display until 31 August 2024. In addition, the books will participate in the Best Book Design from all over the World competition in January 2025.

Unfolding the Public Art at Aalto University in Aalto Shop