stefano arienti at lehmann maupin

Stefano Arienti, Library, 2007, 300 bushels of wheat and 99 altered books,
dimensions variable.

Currently on view at Lehmann Maupin's new location on the Lower East Side is a reinstallation of Stefano Arienti's 2007 commissioned piece, Library. The cautionary sign on the gallery's outer door regarding wheat allergies drew me right in. Once inside, I didn't know which to explore first: the new gallery space on two floors that was formerly a glass factory, or the quiet Zen meditative garden-like mound of wheat, with a sign to the left that reads, "You may enter and enjoy the library. Please remove shoes." Thinking it was a Zen koan of some sort, and not an actual invitation, I did not choose to explore the piece in that way. Instead I went upstairs and was pleased to understand Library from a new perspective, with the books in view.

Had I been more brave, I would have experienced walking in the wheat mound, no doubt becoming giddy with the idea of illicitly stepping on art (my museum manners prevent me from this), and would have discovered the books that have been "selectively traced, pierced, or illustrated by the artist." That settles it. I am going back to play in the wheat and participate in the art. Library is meant to evolve and shift as people explore the work. By all means, leave your preconceived notions at the door and dig in to this piece when you go.

Stefano Arienti
through Saturday, June 14, 2008
Lehmann Maupin
201 Chrystie Street
Lower East Side
New York
212.254.0054

The new Lehmann Maupin Gallery on the Lower East Side.

More exhibition space upstairs.


Arienti's Library, viewed from the second floor balcony.