The Conflicts - an exhibit on the 4th floor through July 6, 2013

Local artists Andy Diaz Hope and Laurel Roth recently their fellowship at the de Young producing over many years a series of tapestries, the replicas of which are now on display on the fourth floor of the Main Library. Inspired by research that began within these library walls, the triptych reflects three fundamental conflicts in literature, the conflict of human versus nature, human versus himself/herself, and human versus human.

The Conflicts Tapestries - image courtesy of the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum

As described on the de Young website, “the first [tapestry], Allegory of the Monoceros, illustrates the end of Darwinian natural selection and the growth of human-centric evolution. The second, Allegory of the Infinite Mortal, portrays a garden for contemplation of the scientific and philosophical structures humans have used throughout history to explore the concepts of infinity and immortality and our place therein.” The third tapestry, Allegory of the Prisoner’s Dilemma focuses on “how human evolution has been driven by a combination of cooperation and competition in the face of conflict,” using images of iconic architecture to create a historic timeline in the form of a Tower of Babel.

Study drawings and symbolism keys are displayed alongside the artwork. The library exhibit also includes information about the tapestry weaving process as translated from paper to textile by Magnolia Editions (Oakland). To learn about the artists' research, these books are available for checkout.

The Artists' Library Books - image courtesy of the M. H. de Young Memorial Museum

This exhibit is jointly presented by The Art, Music and Recreation Center of the San Francisco Public and the de Young Artist Fellows. It will be display from April 6 through July 6, 2013.