Freshman College Student Work
The purpose of the book is ever evolving, particularly as we become increasingly invested in digitally accessible information. Many books containing information that is now outdated or redundant find themselves destined for recycling. Last fall freshman art students participating in the COCA Orientation course were each given one such book and instructed to artistically alter it. Transforming the book into a work of art changes how we the viewer perceive the book. Both the pre altered book and the altered book have the capacity to convey information. However, the altered book- now a work of art- conveys this information visually, as opposed to simply using text. The result is a book repurposed.
Below are some examples from the exhibition "Altered Books" on view at the Carlson Library University of Toledo. I assigned the project and organized the exhibition to provide an opportunity for my students taking the Freshman Art Orientation class to jump start the exhibition category in their resume. Orientation classes typically do not incorporate art making and art exhibiting opportunities, but every student said they were grateful for the experience and exposure.
Below are some examples from the exhibition "Altered Books" on view at the Carlson Library University of Toledo. I assigned the project and organized the exhibition to provide an opportunity for my students taking the Freshman Art Orientation class to jump start the exhibition category in their resume. Orientation classes typically do not incorporate art making and art exhibiting opportunities, but every student said they were grateful for the experience and exposure.