Skip Navigation

Prof. Gitelson Exhibits at MASS MoCA

A letter found in one of Jonathan Gitelson's books—now part of his "Marginalia" project.
A letter found in one of Jonathan Gitelson's books—now part of his "Marginalia" project.

Assistant Professor of Art Jonathan Gitelson is one of six artists featured in the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art’s (MASS MoCA) new show, Bibliothecaphilia, which opens on January 24th. The show’s title is derived from Greek words meaning “a fondness for libraries.”

Prof. Gitelson will be exhibiting works from his project, Marginalia. “For the past year, I have been collecting used books that have been marked in some way by previous owners, with everything from minimal underlining to extensive handwritten notes, and in some cases even ephemera left behind in the books,” Prof. Gitelson explained. “These books form the foundation of Marginalia, an interactive project comprised of works made from or inspired by the markings and items in them.”

As the show’s web page explains, “The six artists in Bibliothecaphilia explore the medium and ethos of libraries: institutions straddling the public and private spheres, the escapism that libraries offer, libraries’ status as storehouses for physical books — and thus for experiences and knowledge — and the way that these objects circulate and are re-used. Participating artists include Clayton Cubitt, Jonathan Gitelson, Susan Hefuna, Meg Hitchcock, Dan Peterman, and Jena Priebe.”

Here’s what the Boston Globe had to say about the show.

And the Berkshire Eagle reported that “‘Bibliothecaphilia’ reveals love of libraries at Mass MoCA.”

Related Stories

Contact Keene State College

1-800-KSC-1909
229 Main Street
Keene, New Hampshire 03435