All Tomorrow's Libraries
The exhibition explores a selection of the world’s most interesting libraries, from classical ones such as Alexandria or the British Library, to contemporary examples like Dokk1 Aarhus, Oodi Helsinki, and the Hyundai Card Libraries in Seoul, as well as proposals that go beyond the traditional concept of library, such as the Aby Warburg Library, the Mobile Public Libraries of Colombia, or the Human Library, composed of human “books.”
Each library engages in dialogue with an artwork that either reinforces or contrasts its strategy, questioning the concepts of knowledge, words, and books, as well as the role of people in the use of these public spaces. Featured artists include: Alicia Framis, Alicia Martín, Fehras Publishing Practices, Frederick Wiseman, Ignasi Aballí, Julien Prévieux, Karmelo Bermejo, Miguel Ángel Blanco, Mihindou and Ortín, Milena Bonilla, Rice & Lipka, Roig & Mallo.
Site-specific artwork: Bookmarks – Maider López
The artist Maider López created a site-specific work titled Bookmarks, inviting readers of the Koldo Mitxelena Kulturunea Library to donate their bookmarks. These pieces were compiled into 12 framed collages displayed in part of the gallery.
The work fetishizes and defetishizes the book, presenting it as a treasure that passes from hand to hand, emphasizing lending over purchase and the value of public access.
Parallel program: From Alexandria to Helsinki
The project included an expanded program of open discussion tables and debates, exploring each library model alongside experts from the field.
Publication / Catalogue
A catalogue under the same title as the exhibition was published, containing texts by various authors and a special section dedicated to an experimental piece by ENORME Studio, examining how young people under 18 propose to use new library spaces.
