I am a Paper Artist and Illustrator creating Altered Books with repurposed hardback novels, sketchbooks, and journals.

I strive to highlight the transformative nature of books and stories in relation to our search for self, truth, and belonging. My work acts as an invitation to a moment of quiet reflection.

I often touch on themes of escapism, self-reflection, and hope.

How do we confront the unknown?

Curriculum Vitae

Isobelle Ouzman

Born. 1992, Leeds, United Kingdom

Based. Bratislava, Slovakia

Exhibitions:

Upcoming-

April 2025, “Memories Become Dreams”, WOW X WOW gallery, group exhibtion, United Kingdom

August 2025, Solo Exhibition, Arch Enemy Arts, Philadelphia USA

August 2026, Solo Exhibition, Beinart Gallery, Melbourne, Australia

Solo-

2024, “Hidden in Books”, Kultúrno-Informačné Centrum, Trenčin, Slovakia

2014, Isobelle Ouzman at Oddfellows, Ghost Gallery, Solo Exhibition, Seattle, USA

Group-

2024, “Brings May Flowers II” Group Show, Arch Enemy Arts, Philadelphia, USA

2024, “Gazing Into Infinity”, WOW x WOW Gallery, Online Group Exhibition, United Kingdom

2017, “Envision” Studio 7, Group Exhibition, Seattle, USA

2015, “Tales Untold” with artist Kindra Nikole, Urban Light Studios, Duo Exhibition, Seattle, USA

2010, Tacoma Public Library, Group Exhibition, Tacoma, USA

Artist Residencies:

2025, Arteles Creative Center, January residency; “Silence, Awareness, Existence”, Haukijärvi, Finland

Professional Experience:

2025, Book Cover Art, HarperCollins Children’s Books, UK, “Alice With A Why” by Anna James

2024, Book Cover Art, Simon & Schuster, USA, “The Whisperwicks II” by Jordan Lees

2023, Book Cover Art, Simon & Schuster, USA, “The Whisperwicks - The Labyrinth of Lost & Found” by Jordan Lees

2010, Internship - Art Education & Exhibitions, Tacoma Art Museum, USA

2009, Internship - Volunteer Coordinator & Education Assistant, Tacoma Art Museum, Intern, USA

Select Publications & Features:

2024, My Modern Met, “Artist Transforms Discarded Books…”, online feature

2024, The Creativity Cafe, Podcast Interview

2024, Enchanted Living Magazine, Book Lovers Issue, printed publication

2024, Hidden in Books exhibition, Trencin.sk

2023, Creative Pulse Podcast, Ep. 92, Podcast

2023, Orion Magazine, May Issue, printed publication

2023, World Literature Today, May Issue, printed publication

2023, Colossal, Fairytale Scenes Nestle Between the Covers of Isobelle Ouzman’s Altered Books, online feature

2023, Unseen Sketchbooks, Interview with Isobelle Ouzman, Interview

2023, Atlas Obscura, Enchanting Illustrations Carved From Old Books

2017, Rosa JH Berland, The Carved Books of Isobelle Ouzman, Interview

2015, Hi-Fructose, Isobelle Ouzman’s “Altered Books” Series Turns Literature Into Sculpture

2015, Ignant, Intricate 3D Sculptures Made From Books by Isobelle Ouzman, online feature

2015, My Modern Met, Beautiful 3D Illustrations Breathe New Life Into Discarded Books, online feature

Work in private collections:

USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Malaysia, Australia, Lebanon