“Collate”

The site specific exhibition “Collate” was a collaboration with American artist Amy Kreiling. The context of the exhibition was very important as I saw the library as a vessel of information and especially because of the building's dedication. The work was about expectations and realities for women. It questioned the nature of education and the value of what we learn in higher institutions. The piece was installed in the corridor leading to the library. Fourteen images of students standing in front of legal reference books, blown up by a photocopier (4' x 6'), are contained in glass cases on the walls. All the figures are looking away from the viewer. The museum-style cases which run down the centre of the space are lined with outdated library cards. In the centre charms are placed along a chain which runs the length of the pedestal. The charms represent what women indeed wish for, the trophies of our lives. Sweet 16, graduation, marriage, a new house, children, 25th wedding anniversary, are all signifiers of societal success. Occasionally one of the cards is raised on pins and has what may be shocking statistical information on violence against women contrasting our expectations to reality.

Two Person Exhibition, Sojourner Truth Library in New Paltz, New York, 1996