The Free Library of Philadelphia is currently showcasing an art exhibition titled "BE/LONGING," a collective effort highlighting the diverse voices of Philadelphia residents on the theme of belonging, the exhibition, which runs through October 1st at Parkway Central, features works created in collaboration between local community members and artist Joanne Grüne-Yanoff, the library announced last Thursday.
Organized by Grüne-Yanoff, who splits her time between Stockholm and Philadelphia, and the library's Curator of Exhibitions, Suzanna Urminska, the "BE/LONGING" exhibit sprang from a series of workshop sessions across multiple library branches, including Tacony, McPherson Square, and Thomas Donatucci Sr., bringing together a rich tapestry of individuals ranging from youngsters to elders, both vision-impaired and sighted, longtime inhabitants and newcomers to Philadelphia.
Highlighted within the exhibit are banners featuring quotes from those who attended the workshops exploring their personal interpretations of belonging, these banners also include embossed images and braille text to ensure inclusivity for visitors with visual impairments, according to a display on the city's official website.
Moreover, an immersive audio piece captures overlapping conversations amongst the workshop participants, while related artworks enhance the visual experience in FLP’s West Gallery 1, typewriters, including a braille model, are provided for visitors to add their own musings on the theme, which may then be woven into the fabric of the ongoing exhibition.
For those interested in diving deeper into the artistic and communal narrative woven by "BE/LONGING," group tours are available with additional insights provided by Urminska and, potentially, Grüne-Yanoff herself, to book, parties can reach out to Suzanna Urminska at [email protected], with tours currently scheduled for late July and mid-September, as noted by the library's announcement.
