'Illuminated Library' Exhibits Art Made From Literature

Golden Gate Xpress -- A three-dimensional map of Moscow, constructed of burnt pieces of literature and poems, is framed and mounted on a wall in the Fine Arts Gallery located in the Fine Arts Building at SF State. The scene is artist Matthew Picton’s depiction of a fire set ablaze by Napoleon’s army in 1812. A quote from “War and Peace” lingers in bold red letters at the bottom of the map, “The comet which was said to portend all manner of horrors and the end of the world.” This is one of the pieces displayed as a part of the Illuminated Library exhibit, which opened Sept. 21. About 30 people gathered for the opening ceremony to see the exhibit that showcases carefully selected art pieces from the archives and Special Collections from the J. Paul Leonard Library and other pieces from the California-owned Sutro Library. “I think this is a great opportunity for students to come and see professional artists and their work,” said Sharon Bliss, exhibit co-curator and gallery manager.