“Irina Birger’s first monograph, ‘The Book of Happiness and Sadness’ contains numerous vivid, text-based drawings from the artist’s diary of words, forms, and colours, as well as photographs of her exhibitions and performances. The publication, created by graphic designer Franziska Morlok of studio Rimini Berlin, presents the act of drawing as a self-contemplative study, whereby the artist hopes to provoke a similar contemplation in the reader. Moreover, an essay written by independent curator Katia Krupennikova examines Birger’s work in connection with significant dilemmas in today’s society, such as the concept of the group versus individualism and interdependency.” Full page areproductions of many colourful word-paintings, with an illustrated text about the artist by Katia Krupennikova. Soft cover, 31 x 20,5 cm, 176 pages, ed/600, Eindhoven (2019) ISBN: 9789462263239