Output details

The Perverse Library

Conceived and curated by Morris, the exhibition was the first exhibition of Conceptual Writing in the UK, and showed works by a generation of artists who have sought a radical reconsideration of the relationship between literature and the visual arts. It included 116 contributors, with a related publication (edition of 500). The exhibition included artworks, commissioned furniture, rare first editions and priceless handwritten letters. The exhibition presented a platform for the launch of six new works, including print editions, two publications and a documentary film. The exhibition was funded by Arts Council England (£5000) and The Henry Moore Foundation (£4000). The purpose of the exhibition was to draw attention to this emerging art form whilst relating the exhibited work to Laurence Sterne’s 1759 classic The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman, widely regarded as the progenitor of experimental literature. The exhibition was reviewed in national and local newspapers. David Lister recommended it in his article ‘Trouble at the Mall’ for the Independent, 28 September 2010 . Hannah Duguid reviewed the exhibition in her article, ‘Works of art that will never win the heart’, Independent, 4 October 2010. Robert Clark selected it as critic’s choice in The Guide: New Exhibitions, The Guardian, 16th October 2010. Paul Jeeves, ‘Perverse look at art and literature comes to Yorkshire literary shrine’, Yorkshire Post, 09 September 2010. Michael Hampton, ‘Reports and Reviews: The Perverse Library’, Book Arts Newsletter, No. 62, December 2010. The level of press interest reflects the growing interest in this emerging new art form. The exhibition serves as a comprehensive introduction to the new movement of Conceptual Writing.

Morris commissioned 'The Perverse Library' book from Prof. Craig Dworkin to accompany this exhibition. ISBN 978-1-907468-03-2, publisher Information as Material.