This
art work seeks to expose the number of very recent lost libraries. The
books, journals and manuscripts collected and circulated by libraries
enable ideas to be exchanged, and thus lead to new lines of inquiry.
As institutions, libraries protect and promote thoughts, memories and
cultures. While the destruction of the library in Alexandria, Egypt
in 391 A.D. is an oft cited tragedy, lesser publicized is the great
number of libraries that have been destroyed throughout the world during
the 20th and 21st centuries by natural causes (e.g., earthquakes, flooding)
and human intervention (e.g., riots, wars). books.
Through
research I accumulated a list of destroyed libraries. Although the list
is not exhaustive, it represents extensive damage to world documentary
heritage. Lost Libraries, Lost Memory seemed like an apt theme since
libraries store a collective memory that spans centuries. This site-specific
installation builds upon two key elements of the PLU Mortvedt Library
site-the space is located within a library and features two large columns.
I decided to use the image of columns as a metaphor for libraries and
the ideas of history, foundation, institution and protection.
While
two intact columns are present, a ruined one stands amongst a sea of
books. The destroyed libraries are identified by name, location and
year lost-they are dissipating from a cloud of columns overhead. The
falling book pages and ruined column pieces serve as reminders of the
cultural and intellectual artifacts that are lost each time a library
is destroyed.
Holly
A. Senn
Lost Libraries, Lost Memory
Mortvedt Library, Pacific Lutheran University
Parkland, WA
Sept 3 - Oct 6, 2005