You’re Better Than History opens November 1st
You’re Better Than History features Bay Area artists Justin Mata and Cameron McPherson. The installation consists of text-‐based banners strung in the windows of the storefront and throughout the open spaces of the bookstore. The banners are made of cut tissue paper and hung on string in a style inspired by papel picado, the Mexican craft art used in the altars of Day of the Dead festivities. Instead of the traditional imagery normally employed, the banners will incorporate quotes that have been transcribed from the notes, scribbles and drawings found written in the margins of used books. The artists have researched hundreds of books to find the intimate and candid thoughts left by previous owners. The title of the exhibition, You’re Better Than History is a quote found inside The Complete Writings of Thucydides, The Peloponnesian War as part of an inscription from a wife to her husband. The installation draws attention to this unique experience that cannot be replicated in digital books or online writing.
The artists worked with Dora Luz Sanabria, a local Mission District artist, performer and teacher at the Mission Cultural Center to aid in the understanding and meaning of papel picado. In using the Mexican craft art they reference Adobe Books’ history in the Mission District at the 16th street location and now on 24th. The installation will coincide with San Francisco’s annual Day of the Dead festival.
The exhibit will be up from November 1st – November 30th, 2013
Opening Reception: November 1st, 6-9pm, in conjunction with the Loft Waif exhibition opening in the Backroom Gallery.