2 November 2007
Bookmarks – a photographic exhibition to celebrate Barbican
Library’s 25 year anniversary
(3 November – 1 December 2007)
Calling all super-sleuths, bookworms and art lovers.
To mark Barbican Library’s 25th anniversary during 2007, artist
Rachel Cohen has created an interactive art installation with a
difference.
A library treasure hunt will run for 25 days, with a different
photo hidden in seminal books chosen from the Barbican Library’s
history (1982-2007).
Clues needed to track down the book and locate the prize (a
framed photograph by Rachel Cohen) will be available to all library
users and on the Barbican Library web page.
Head of the Barbican Library, John Lake, said the interactive
photography project complemented the renowned Barbican arts scene
perfectly.
“Art, music and literature lovers flock to the Barbican, which
is well known for its cutting edge programming. The Barbican
Library welcomes more than 330,000 visitors annually and we are
pleased to contribute to the City arts scene through Bookmarks, a
photographic exhibition with a difference.”
“We expect to see many Barbican Library patrons discussing their
favourite books of the last 25 years and deciphering literary clues
to win the prize,” said John Lake.
Bookmarks artist, Rachel Cohen, has collaborated with Barbican
librarians to choose the top 25 books from Barbican Library’s
history (1982-2007) as inspiration for her art work.
“I like to take my work outside the context of art galleries and
reach wider audiences, so I create games or events to engage the
public. The viewers don’t just view they take part.”
“I started working with libraries because they are inclusive
spaces and because I have always been exited by words as well as
images,” said Rachel Cohen.
So come and join Barbican Library during its 25th anniversary
year, and between 3 November and 1 December play literary
super-sleuth in the hunt for the best book of the last 25
years.
Ends
Notes for editors
About Barbican Library
Barbican Library, run by the City of London Corporation, is
situated within the Barbican Centre in the heart of the Square
Mile. It comprises a public lending library with free internet
access, free Skills for Life advice sessions and materials, a
children’s library and a music library. Membership is free and open
to anyone with proof of name and home address, and for City workers
(who are not City residents) also proof of eligibility – e.g. work
pass, student card or home library card. Visit the Barbican Library
website for more information and opening hours.
Biography of Bookmarks Artist Rachel Cohen
Rachel Cohen works in drawing and painting, photography, digital
animation and site-specific installation. She creates events and
art works that invite public participation. Recent projects include
a series of Bookmarks projects (Wandsworth and Brighton) similar to
Barbican Library’s exhibition and an art and psychology research
collaboration about drawing. For more information visit
www.rachelcohen.co.uk
The Bookmarks exhibition at City of London’s Barbican Library is
kindly supported by Snappy Snaps at Moorgate, who have framed and
printed each of Rachel Cohen’s photographs for the lucky treasure
hunt winners.
Press queries to Cubby Fox at City of London Press Office on 020
7332 3451.