The Art of Imperfection

Imagine a world of deteriorating books, each telling its story through its present destructed state. Well, first you'd have to imagine a place where books still exist in the physical world, which won't be difficult if you're attending the Infestations/Contemplations exhibit, hosted by the University City Public Library (6701 Delmar Boulevard, University City; 314-727-3150 or www.ucpl.lib.mo.us). The gallery will feature photography by Catherine Gass and mixed-media art by Nathan Marshall. One of Marshall's larger pieces, Going Over Every Detail Until the World is Finally Right, incorporates plaster, acrylic and sawdust to visualize trying to find a grain of truth amid a sea of information. Gass' images, a collection of color photographs depicting damage to books caused by humans and insects, provides a visual guide to the traces of history left in the pages after time has passed (and these traces range from man's scribbles to insect feces). The free opening reception is held tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. The work will remain on display through Tuesday, February 28.
Feb. 3-28, 2012