site-specific installation
two-channel video, found books, dimensions variable
The video installation “Library at Night” in the gallery Prozori, a part of the public library Silvije Strahimir Kranjčević, was based on the notion of redundancy in library systems. The public library, a space which preserves identity, does so according to a twofold selection process: as the one which collects, and as the one which rejects. An ideal library does not exist, a library that is immortal, encompasses all knowledge, and belongs to everyone. Libraries are vulnerable to the laws of the market; books that have not been requested for some time are hence considered unnecessary, out-of-date, or redundant. They are excluded from a library’s stock, and if no one needs these books, they are given away, sometimes ending up in flea markets, contributing to some grey, third economy.
This installation consists of video recordings of the space of the functioning library, its dislocated storage room, and a context- specific intervention in the actual space of the storage room, where the artist uses inventory found on site: an old card catalog, written-off books, redundant filing folders. This intervention could be seen in the window of the library’s gallery as a part of a two- channel video installation.
Library at Night, 2013
8-15.11.2013.
reception: 18 – 20h, 8.11. 2013
Galerija Prozori
Knjižnica S. S. Kranjčevića, Zapoljska 1, Zagreb
site-specific installation
two-channel video, found books, dimensions variable
curated by: Irena Bekić
produced by: Zagreb City Libraries and Studio Artless, Zagreb
technical support: Pali Gasi
Lala Raščić 