'Look at the Book' at SAC

“Look at the Book” is the Southampton Arts Center’s first exhibition for 2024, opening on Saturday, February 24, and running until May 4. Curated by SAC’s executive director, Christina Mossaides Strassfield, the multi-media exhibition will focus on how contemporary artists have engaged with the book as a surface, structure, found objects, philosophical and literary guide. The works will include all types of books, from accordion, video and audiobooks to graphic novels, sculpture, photography and even site-specific installations created with and from books.

“This exhibition is a fascinating exploration of the evolving role of books in our digital society, the implication on society of banning books and the constant need to defend freedom of speech in today’s America,” said Strassfield. “It also delves into personal and societal literacy, which is still a challenge in the United States, especially in Suffolk County.”

The exhibition in SAC’s galleries will feature the work of 33 artists including: Anita Balkun, Mary Ellen Bartley, Stephanie Brody-Lederman, John Buchbinder, Neke Carson, Carolyn Conrad, AG Duggan, Patricia Feiwel, Dorothy Frankel, Chip Haggerty, Barry Holden, Carol Hunt, Elaine de Kooning, Donald Lipski, Christa Maiwald, Karyn Mannix, Richard Minsky, Jennie Nichols, Alfonso Ossorio, Erin Parsch, Goran Petmil, Joe Pintauro, Gabriele Raacke, Randall Rosenthal, Barbara Slate, Hadley Vogel, Paul Vogel, Dan Welden, Halsted S. Welles, Ellen Wiener, Julie Wolfe, Nina Yankowitz, and 00100011 [#HASHTAG], all of whom explore the idea of literacy and symbolism of books in our culture. The exhibition will open with a public evening reception at SAC on Saturday, February 24, at 6 p.m.

During the show, SAC will be providing artists and community members ways to engage together in discussion of the work and these ideas through curator tours, panel discussions, community talks and workshops.

“Books have long since been a reliable source of information to learn about the world and culture,” said Strassfield. “They are a way of handing down the information and stories from generation to generation as well as transporting us to fantasy worlds and places full of new ideas.

“Without books we have to ask ourselves how do we access information, is it real or fake? Is it factual or propaganda? Are humans providing us with news or AI bots?” she added. “Many people no longer have books in their homes or read newspapers. Some books are still banned, many people receive their information and news through social media today, how does this affect our understanding of the world, our ethics, and how we live our lives?”

The public program and classes supporting the exhibition incorporate sessions with Strassfield, artists such as Karyn Mannix and Amelia Bedelia and illustrator, artist and teacher, Barbara Thomas.

“Don’t miss this beautiful conversation about one of the most critical topics of our age,” said Strassfield. “British novelist Virginia Woolf said, ‘Books are the mirrors of the soul.’ Come and examine this idea with us through thought-provoking art and fascinating discussions and workshops.”

“Look at the Book” Events

Saturday, March 2, at 2 p.m. - “Look at the Book Curated Gallery Tour” with SAC executive director Christina Mossaides Strassfield

Saturday, March 16, at 2 p.m. – “Interactive Reading of ‘Mirror Test the Cassidy Hutchinson Story’” at 2 p.m. followed by a live reading of the Barbara Slate Story at 3 p.m. (illustrator of Amelia Bedelia children’s books, authored by her father, Fritz Siegel)

Friday, March 23, at 1 p.m. – “Meet the Artists Gallery Tour,” artists discuss the inspiration for their pieces

Saturday, March 30, at 12:30 and 3 p.m. – “Look at the Book Art Workshop” with Karyn Mannix: “Create a Watercolor Accordion Book” from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for ages 12 and under; “Create a 3D Abstract Accordion Book” from 3 to 5 p.m. for adults.

Saturday, April 6, at 12:30 p.m. – “Look at the Book Art Workshop” for adults. Barbara Slate will show bookmakers different ways to realize a unique book while discussing the meaning of books in society.

Saturday, April 20, at 2 p.m. – “The ABCs of Book Banning.” The Academy Award-nominated short film “The ABCs of Book Banning” reveals the voices of the impacted parties of books banned from school districts, inspiring hope for the future through the profound insights of inquisitive youthful minds.

Saturday, April 20, at 2:30 p.m. – “Libraries Today and Tomorrow” with Elizabeth Burns, director of the Rogers Memorial Library, who joins other librarians for a lively discussion on libraries today and tomorrow. Moderated by Christina Mossaides Strassfield.

Saturday, May 4, at 3 p.m. – John’s Memory Book with John Buchbinder and Marta Kazandjian who go through Buchbinder’s old artist books to present to the audience.

Register for all talks at southamptonartscenter.org or 631-283-0967. Southampton Arts Center is at 25 jobs Lane in Southampton.