How does science transform observations into scientific facts?
What is the role of interpretation in the construction of knowledge?
How could art re-signify a historical process?

Such are some of the questions raised in A for Alibi, a book which explores the boundaries of scientific practice and art. In the last few decades, a new branch of historical studies, called “experimental history” has begun to investigate scientific processes from a particular perspective, derived from a “hands-on” methodology. Scientific instruments are utilized and combined to become a direct source that leads to an understanding not just of scientific history but also of scientific practice. Similar to contemporary art practice, the experimental historical approach implies a combination of theory, practice and process, sharing a wider understanding of practice in the construction of meanings.

Along these lines, the Uqbar Foundation invited a group of artists to perform research and develop projects using the impressive collection of historical instruments and optical devices housed in the Utrecht University Museum. Fully illustrated, this book documents the artists’ projects as well as the A for Alibisymposium where renowned scientists and art historians lectured on the origins of modern visual culture, for instance on the relation between vision and representation in history, or on the ways in which science builds up a common and social image of the world. The book also features illustrations of numerous scientific instruments from the Utrecht University Museum collection. A for Alibi accompanies the same-titled show at de Appel, Amsterdam, July 14 – August 19, 2007.

Texts by Charlotte Bigg, Erna Fiorentini, Mika Hannula, Raimundas Malasauskas, Katrin Solhdju
Contributions by the participating artists Maria Barnas, James Beckett, Mariana Castillo Deball, Sebastian Diaz Morales, Suchan Kinoshita, Irene Kopelman, Tine Melzer, and Brian O’Connell. 
Interview with Tiemen Cocquyt. 

Design by Studio Manuel Raeder and Mariana Castillo Deball.

Softcover with Attached Dust Jacket, 6.3 inches x 9.4 inches, 239 pages with 100 b/w illustrations, English, Sternberg Press 2007.

*discounted unwrapped display copy available, with very mild surface imperfections on the cover, in otherwise new condition.

*COVID-19 Notice: Order processing is slower than usual at this time due to safety and logistical issues surrounding the pandemic. In addition, mail carriers have informed us that shipping times are not guaranteed, and in some cases have been significantly delayed. Unfortunately these delays are out of our control. Thank you in advance for your patience. 

YOU CAN VISIT OUR TEMPORARY SHOP-INSIDE-A-SHOP AT ECKHAUS LATTA STORE IN CHINATOWN LOS ANGELES THROUGH JANUARY 31ST 2025!  AT 980 N BROADWAY, CHINATOWN LA 90012

*DURING THIS TIME YOU CAN CHOOSE "PICKUP" AT CHECKOUT IF YOU PREFER TO PICK UP YOUR ORDER IN THE SHOP.  PLEASE ALLOW UP TO A WEEK FOR YOUR ITEMS TO BE READY FOR PICKUP,  YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION NOTE WHEN IT IS READY :) 

We really appreciate you shopping with us.  Below are our general policies.  We do our best to make our customers happy, so if you have a concern please feel free to contact us :)

Shipping

• All shipping time frames are not guaranteed—after we hand your package to the mail service or shipping company, we are unable to control unforeseen delays on their end.
• We ship orders out Mon-Fri, often same day if possible—but please allow 1-8 business days for processing. Most packages are sent via US Postal Service with delivery confirmation.
• TELFAR BAGS may take even longer than the above time frame during this time, up to 2 weeks to process and send out from our office due to high order volumes.  Priority shipments will be processed first, but ALL orders are shipping slower than usual.
• Please make sure your shipping address and contact info are correctly entered at checkout. Unless you specify to us that you want to pay to fully insure your package, we are not liable for loss or damage. Shipping charges are non-refundable.
• US (Domestic) shipping is calculated by order total. Standard shipping usually takes 2-9 business days, depending on destination. Priority and Express options are available at checkout for additional fees.

• TELFAR bag orders have separate shipping fees which are automatically calculated at checkout.  

International Customers

• Customs fees may apply depending on tariff rules in your country. Your country's customs office may in rare cases delay the arrival of your package beyond our control. The customer is responsible for any fees or taxes added by their country's customs office.
• International shipments are sent via US Postal Service and rates are calculated by total order weight in order to best approximate actual charges. 
• First Class International (transit time varies ~7-21 days or longer), limited tracking and no insurance
• Priority International (6-10 business days from shipping date), tracking and limited insurance
• Express International (3-5 days business days from shipping date), tracking and full insurance
• Please keep in mind we are not liable for loss or damage in the mail if you select an option without insurance and tracking.  We recommend insuring and tracking whenever possible.
• If you don't see your country on the shipping options list or have any other special requests on how you'd like us to handle your shipment, just contact us before or at the time of placing your order and we'll do our best to help.   :)
• The US Postal Service will not accept the package if the address is written in a foreign alphabet, so please be sure to check your shipping address as we are unable to verify addresses before we ship and your package may get lost otherwise.

Returns/Exchanges 

Because of the tiny nature of our operation, we apologize for our limited return policy.

• No returns on books, music, artwork and objects, accessories, and general merchandise, aside from defective items. Unworn clothing and shoes bought online may be exchanged or returned within 7 days of receipt, unless otherwise specified.
• Returns are only accepted if you notify us within 7 days of receipt of the item and return it to us within 14 days of the order ship date. Goods must be in perfect unworn/unused condition with all original packaging intact. The customer is responsible for outbound and return shipping costs, which are non-refundable. If store credit is issued, it is valid for one year from the issue date.
• We also cannot accept returns on sale items. Some sale items are the last copy and may have experienced some wear and tear. Discounts take into account for any damage but if you have any questions about the condition of a particular item, please email us.
• If you have any issues receiving your order, including lost packages, you must contact us within 90 days of the shipment date or we may be unable to help.

Thank you in advance for understanding!

Privacy Policy

• All customer information collected by us through our online shop will only be used for the purposes of fulfilling and delivering your orders, and customer service. If you choose to sign up for our mailing list, we will only use that information to send you occasional announcements related to Ooga Booga.  
• We will never share or sell your information to any third parties or use it for any outside marketing purposes.  
• Should you ever wish to unsubscribe or opt out of our mailing list, simply fill out the form on our website to unsubscribe, or send us an email to be removed.  

Please feel free to ask us any questions about a product or the ordering process!