Cara Barer: Bibliomania

From Catherine Couturier Gallery:

“Catherine Couturier Gallery is thrilled to announce its upcoming exhibition with Houston artist Cara Barer. Bibliomania, will run from May 18th to June 22nd, 2024, showcasing Barer’s captivating transformation of books into stunning works of art.

Cara Barer’s unique artistic process involves sculpting and dyeing books, then photographing them in beautiful abstract compositions. Through her artistry, Barer not only breathes new life into old books but also initiates a dialogue about the evolving nature of physical books in today’s digital age.

Reflecting on her creative journey, Barer shares, “I transform books into art by sculpting them, dyeing them, and then through the medium of photography presenting them anew as objects of beauty. I create a record of that book and its half-life.”

Each book Barer works with tells a story, guiding her artistic process based on its size, paper type, and content. From soaking a Windows 95 Manual in a bathtub to discovering outdated reference books in abandoned houses, Barer’s work is a testament to the beauty found in the unexpected and the overlooked. Viewers are prompted to contemplate the concept of obsolescence and the evolving role of libraries in the digital era. Through her art, Barer raises important questions about the future of physical books and the enduring value they hold in an increasingly digitized world.”