Arts News

THE BOOKS WE HAVEN'T READ

ELIZE DE BEER

OPENING INVITATION

You are warmly invited to The Books We Haven't Read by Elize de Beer opening on the 11th of January at 6pm

The Books We Haven’t Read is a solo exhibition by Elize de Beer which includes a series of screenprints, a large-scale paper tapestry, and artist's book. Elize is a South African artist based in Cork, Ireland. She is a printmaker, a book artist and sculptor, and she has made new large-scale work for the exhibition. The exhibition presents the idea that there is more power to the books we have not yet read than the ones we have. We collect and add books to our bedside tables and shelves with the intention of filling gaps in our knowledge and expanding our imagination.

County Mayor Cllr. Frank O’Flynn says, “It is apt that this exhibition about books we haven’t read is being presented in our County Library headquarters. In the county we have over 50,000 members of our libraries, borrowing circa 1.4 million books and ebooks per year. There is potential learning and nourishment in every book, and on every page. Elize has worked towards this exhibition with the support of the council through an artist bursary award. Elize’s work is very inspiring, thought provoking, and this show is one we are immensely proud to present.”

Since the start of her artistic practice de Beer has strongly been influenced by her dyslexia. de Beer’s dyslexia led her to create abstract, conceptual and text-based artworks. Her fascination with written language has made her consider books as objects with immense power – this has become a focal point in her practice.

A key work in the exhibition is a large scale paper tapestry that has been made from prints made from discarded books covers. There is also a sculpture consisting of handmade book covers. There are a series of screenprints – one is an image of the bedside table piled high with books, on the to be read pile. The Books We Haven’t Read is created from de Beer's personal library yet hints at the vital importance of the public library space in providing access to books.

Elize de Beer adds, “Looking at recent stories both locally and abroad, books remain powerful and often contentious objects. Book banning and the censorship of knowledge is not a new concept for readers or librarians. Even though it seems that all information can still be accessed digitally, the physical book and library space still plays an important role in creating safe spaces that encourage the exchange of knowledge.”

The exhibition will be opened on Thursday 11 January at 6pm by Aoibhie McCarthy, Director of Sample Studios. It runs until 16^th of February, and is open Monday to Friday 9am-5.30pm.

Join Elize for a zine making workshop on the 13th of February at 12pm until 2pm. Learn how to make your own zine from idea to distribution. The zine workshop is open to all ages. There is limited space, so booking is required. Email arts@corkcoco.ie to book a place.

The LHQ Programme is supported by the the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.