Occupying a large section of the Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, Ming Mur-Ray’s installation was entitled CYM55296 Poison Shelf. Arranged on long shelves, the artist neatly installed rows of square wooden tablets displaying an invented language of calligraphy. Another element of the installation was rows of books sealed tight and with the phrase, “See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil,” on their covers, alluding to censorship within the arts. Also, part of the work was a bookcase randomly stacked with books fond to be controversial or drawing public complaints. Together these elements created a dialogue around language, and how public and private opinion often categorizes based on content.
Curators: Erika Torri and Marie Vickers Horne
Organizer: Athenaeum Music and Arts Library
Venue: Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, La Jolla
Additional project sponsors
California Arts Council, and Commission for Arts and Culture, City of San Diego