Library of Changes
Fri 27 Apr (1pm - 5pm) Sat 28 Apr (11am - 4pm)
Tue 1 May (11am - 4pm) Sat 5 May (11am - 3pm)
Welcoming all visitors, the Library of Changes will
be a unique and ephemeral curation of two libraries: the Chinese Arts
Centre Library and the Curator's Gaia Library. Both collections have
distinct characteristics and this intervention will unite both. Gaia
Library is an ever-growing, peripatetic collection of books - some
donated, some found, some purchased, some exchanged - subjects included
are broadly ecology, art, and
philosophy. This library was conceived some years ago with the context
of Climate Change in mind and is manifest of books written in English
and predominantly from a Western world perspective. Its new unity with
Chinese Arts Centre's collection of books primarily on Chinese arts and
culture, will create a new dialogue of knowledges and the mindful
sharing of those knowledges with its users.
Visitors are invited to explore the Library of Changes
in the special Reading Chamber: a peaceful and intimate space, located
in the heavenly heights of the building. The Curator will be
periodically present to give guidance on the collection and
provide contemplative conversation to visitors, where appropriate. At
the core of the Reading Chamber will be the ancient, mystical text of
the I Ching (book of changes) and visitors will be invited to
personally consult the Oracle and have a reading facilitated by the
Curator. Integral to this experience visitors will also be welcomed to
participate in the creation of a series of communal shi (poems) generated through their own special selection of titles from the Library. The shi
will be written on scrolls in three of the world's most prevalent
languages, Chinese,
English and Spanish, and then exhibited in the main residency gallery
space. These poems will provide a creative and metaphorical index to the
Library of Changes and offer a new way of engaging with the knowledges embodied within.
During
the Life Friendly residency the Curator will invite the Chinese Arts
Centre staff to select books of their choice from Gaia Library. The
titles selected will then be offered by the Curator as a long-term loan
to the Chinese Arts Centre Library, by way of a small legacy.
For this project James will be assisted by fellow Life Friendly member, David Haley.
For this project James will be assisted by fellow Life Friendly member, David Haley.
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