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