The Library Taxidermists work with decontextualized images and materials to create dynamic collages. Inspired by chaos magic, modern excess, and Buddhist thought, we explore the notions of randomness, usefulness, and waste, forging unexpected and delightful connections. Images are sourced from weeded library books, destined for the landfill. Many of these were valuable or rare before they were deemed obsolete by lack of public engagement; there is an element of loss and nostalgia, however, cutting into them is a practice of cutting attachment, and a reincarnation. The images are given new meaning, freed from the narrative of their previous identities, both the original (as a person, animal, or object) and secondary (as a book).

All works are created with book material, some incorporate paint, ink, glitter, and more. Many are made on detached book covers; the rest are created on construction materials and repurposed art supplies. There are more than six artist’s work included here- another layer of the collage.

The title of each piece suggests objects to be found within, an ode to the maximalism of the 1990’s and the joy and boredom of childhood.