Image
Abstract: Convergence: Artists and Libraries in Transformational Times
One way library stories are told is through art and culture. Numerous scholars have discussed portrayals of libraries in poetry, fiction, and even film, but little work has been done on visual art and libraries. Likewise, many librarians have asked how their institutions can serve artists, but few have asked how art might benefit libraries. This paper examines the library as a site, subject matter, and patron of contemporary visual art. I will ask what draws artists to the library and how well they capture its mission, impact, and everyday reality. To begin answering these questions, I will combine art historical methods with library history and insights from library and information science.
To understand the library in today’s cultural imaginary, I will look back at two pivotal periods in librarianship and art: the 1960s and the turn of the twenty-first century. I will argue it is no coincidence that artists turn their attention to the library at moments of political, cultural, and technological disruption, and that this is an important lesson for today’s librarians and artists.
For each period, I will compare two artists of different backgrounds to assess their investment in, and understanding of, the library (especially the public library) in theory and practice. First, I will compare 1960s works by John Latham and Jacob Lawrence, then turn to the new millennium with Michael Asher and Yinka Shonibare. Finally, I will spotlight promising recent projects to offer brief concluding thoughts on how librarians and artists might successfully collaborate to tell untold stories today.
To understand the library in today’s cultural imaginary, I will look back at two pivotal periods in librarianship and art: the 1960s and the turn of the twenty-first century. I will argue it is no coincidence that artists turn their attention to the library at moments of political, cultural, and technological disruption, and that this is an important lesson for today’s librarians and artists.
For each period, I will compare two artists of different backgrounds to assess their investment in, and understanding of, the library (especially the public library) in theory and practice. First, I will compare 1960s works by John Latham and Jacob Lawrence, then turn to the new millennium with Michael Asher and Yinka Shonibare. Finally, I will spotlight promising recent projects to offer brief concluding thoughts on how librarians and artists might successfully collaborate to tell untold stories today.