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A Kind of Library: Artist Portfolios and Bookworks

Exhibition

June 9 - October 14, 2018

In the spirit of Jose Luis Borges’ assertion that “paradise is a kind of library,” the MacLaren Art Centre presents a selection of portfolios and bookworks from its Permanent Collection. Organized into three chapters—I: A Question of Form; II: The Character Develops; and III: Here, Now, the Present—this rotating display changes three times over the course of the exhibition period, culminating at the MacLaren’s 2018 Carnegie Days celebrations, September 27 to 30.

In recognition of the MacLaren’s origins as Barrie’s first public library, artist bookworks have become a collecting priority for the Gallery. This presentation highlights these hard-to-display objects, emphasizing the material qualities of these tactile and intimate works. Beginning with informal sketchbooks by pioneering Canadian surrealist Michael Forster (1907-2002) and high-end print portfolios by Henry Moore (1898-1986), the exhibition moves through the mid and late-20th century with books by Sorel Etrog (1933-2014) and regional artist Walter Bachinski. Concluding in September with examples of contemporary bookworks produced within the last ten years, this final chapter includes works by Erika DeFreitas, Felix Kalmenson and others.

Curator: Emily McKibbon

Exhibition

June 9 - October 14, 2018

In the spirit of Jose Luis Borges’ assertion that “paradise is a kind of library,” the MacLaren Art Centre presents a selection of portfolios and bookworks from its Permanent Collection. Organized into three chapters—I: A Question of Form; II: The Character Develops; and III: Here, Now, the Present—this rotating display changes three times over the course of the exhibition period, culminating at the MacLaren’s 2018 Carnegie Days celebrations, September 27 to 30.

In recognition of the MacLaren’s origins as Barrie’s first public library, artist bookworks have become a collecting priority for the Gallery. This presentation highlights these hard-to-display objects, emphasizing the material qualities of these tactile and intimate works. Beginning with informal sketchbooks by pioneering Canadian surrealist Michael Forster (1907-2002) and high-end print portfolios by Henry Moore (1898-1986), the exhibition moves through the mid and late-20th century with books by Sorel Etrog (1933-2014) and regional artist Walter Bachinski. Concluding in September with examples of contemporary bookworks produced within the last ten years, this final chapter includes works by Erika DeFreitas, Felix Kalmenson and others.

Curator: Emily McKibbon