Atelier HOKO is a research-based studio that explores everyday objects and familiar phenomena. Since 2013, they have been publishing a periodical titled Science of the Secondary, where each issue focuses on a single theme—such as apples, windows, toilet paper, or straws—examining the ordinary through an open and curious lens.

Their exhibition “BOOK?”, presented at Pages, is connected to Issue 16 of the series and takes “book” as its subject. It gently questions what it means to read. How are a book’s size, format, or materials decided—and how do they shape the act of reading? What if a familiar softcover magazine were turned into a heavy hardcover? What if a book refused to close?
The exhibition brings together a range of works that emerge from simple questions and playful speculation.

In this talk, we will hear about Atelier HOKO’s publishing practice and the ideas behind “BOOK?”, while opening up a conversation around what a book might be—and what it means to read.