The History of Lubrication explores the functions and uses of human saliva, examining it from multiple perspectives, including its physical behavior, its political potential, and its affective dimension. Written as a transcription of an imaginary radio program, the project intertwines references from popular culture, art history, science, critical theory, and cinema to examine our relationship with saliva and the act of spitting.

Gabriel Pericàs is a Mallorcan artist and editor based in New York who, through sculpture, installation, performance, and text, investigates the social life of forms, materials, and substances. Since 2013, he has been directing Biel Books, a small-scale publishing house for artists’ books.

Founded in 1976, Printed Matter, Inc. is the world’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to the dissemination, understanding, and appreciation of artists’ books and related publications. In terms of form, Printed Matter, Inc.’s publications are distinguished by their experimentation with design and formats that defy convention. This publication is no exception:

The author and designer play with the content of the book, “saliva,” and the material on which it has been printed, stone paper, a paper that repels water. Stone paper is waterproof thanks to its mineral origin, it is composed of calcium carbonate and polyethylene. In its production, no trees, water, or chlorine are used, CO2 emissions and energy consumption are halved, and it is recyclable.

This paper requires UV LED printing. Its impermeability demands immediate drying of the ink to avoid drying and repainting problems. The book is finished with an open stitching binding, and glued block on the cover with flaps, leaving the spine free.