Facing Forward by Astrid Chesney

This limited-edition artist book by Astrid Chesney brings together over 200 illustrations, each alive with character, narrative, and expressive intensity. It opens the door to a richly imagined world where masquerade and folklore intertwine, revealed through striking faces and an unrestrained visual language. With only 100 hand-numbered copies, every edition is a singular object. No two covers, backs, or spines are alike, making each book a unique entry point into Chesney’s creative universe.

Set in the bold and spirited Droulers typeface, the book’s design by HONDO becomes an extension of the artwork itself. Custom page numbers take the form of playful face pictograms, weaving seamlessly through the pages and reinforcing the book’s performative, almost theatrical character. The dust jacket unfolds into a signed and numbered poster, transforming packaging into a collectible artifact that reflects the artist’s meticulous craft.

The publication is accompanied by an exhibition of Chesney’s original works, offering an immersive glimpse into her studio practice and the narratives behind the masks. A suite of promotional materials, developed in the same vivid visual language, carries the experience beyond the book, expanding Chesney’s world into physical space.