I love libraries and books so applying to an exhibit at my local main library gallery space was an easy reflex to act on.
This exhibition was an opportunity to revisit the books that have remained with me since I was introduced to them. Whether they were assignments in undergrad at Sarah Lawrence College, found while deep in research about design or colonialism or performance, or gifted, written by someone important in my life or just a great memoir (I’m obsessed with memoirs) - despite my moving around for so many years, these books remained with me.
I really enjoyed putting this exhibition together because it felt like hanging out with old friends talking about my favorite things. Each piece in the exhibition is a reflection in material of how the contents of these books are still impactful.
“COVER TO COVER” solo show
Sept 3 - Sept 30th
Saul Alexander Gallery - Charleston County Main Public Library
Cover to Cover is a collection of works made to celebrate the books that I continue to revisit,
reread and adore as objects. Books have had a huge impact on my art practice and life.
My early education relied on books heavily to feed my imagination as a child and expand my
understanding of history as a student. They offered me an unbiased opportunity to learn about
the country my family was forced to flee. As an artist they helped shape who I would become
as a creative and intellectual. This exhibition honors the power texts can have on our lives and
the physical spaces that continue to make them available.
Personal book archive in case include:
Eloise by Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight
Antes Que Anochesca / Before Night Falls by Reinaldo Arenas
The Black Jacobins by C.L.R. James
Ana Mendieta: Earth Body by Olga M. Viso
Miami by Joan Didion
Racional Democracia by Francisco Izquirdo Quintana
The Philosophy of Andy Warhol from A to B by Andy Warhol
La República Española ante la Revolucion Cubana by Jose Marti
Black Skins, White Masks by Frantz Fanon
Rilke Poems 1912-1926 by Rainer Maria Rilke
The location of culture by Homi k. Bhahba
The Names of All The Flowers by Melissa Valentine
Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
The Drawings: Vincent Van Gogh by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Flags Through The Ages and Across the World by Dr. Whitney Smith
Vincent Van Gogh: The Drawings By The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Havana Deco by Alejandro G. Alonso, Pedro Contreras, Martino Faguioli
Photography Year 1980 by Editors of Time Life Books
South Beach Art Deco to Contemporary Architectural Photographs by Paul Clemence
Felix Gonzalez Torres edited by Julie Ault (on pedestal)
“Alfabeto para Eloise because her nanny lacked imagination”
28 Textile collages, repurposed textiles, Tempura ink, lawn chair remnants, grommets
Each collage 1 ft. in diameter
2025