Julian Rosefeldt . Nothing is Original
PROJECT Book DESIGN Concept / Book / Exhibition / Communication Media CLIENT C/O Berlin Foundation PUBLISHER Spector Books

The deconstruction of cinema as a myth-making machine, the play with media stereotypes, and references to art, cultural, and film history are recurring themes in Julian Rosefeldt's work. His comprehensive exhibition at C/O Berlin highlighted recurring motifs and questions in his photographic works and film installations from the last 30 years—and, for the first time, offered a rare glimpse into his artistic toolbox with previously unpublished storyboards, sketches, and behind-the-scenes footage. The exhibition and book title is borrowed from a quote by Jim Jarmusch and sums up Rosefeldt's methodology: “Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. [...] In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: ‘It's not where you take things from—it's where you take them to.’”
The book's design is based on the Moleskine sketchbooks that the artist uses repeatedly. All of the collages on the pages were compiled for the book and photographed by Julian Rosefeldt. Anecdotes about the projects provide insight into his working methods. The book was created in close collaboration with the artist.