Focus on The American Library and discuss the Concept.
The American Library was commissioned by the FRONT contemporary art program of the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, sponsored by the VIA art fund and James Cohan Gallery. Cleveland Public Library was involved in the project, which features thousands of stylized books, many of these bearing names of people related to immigration to the United States. The artwork is a reaction to growing anti-immigration discourse, with artist Yinka Shonibare specifically citing emerging issues with DREAMers and a Mexican border wall. He told Artnet that "For all [Donald Trump's] rhetoric, America is highly dependent on other countries, as other countries are highly dependent on the United States", adding:
It is really a project about immigration to highlight immigrants' achievements in different fields. Some of them are artists, scientists, architects and filmmakers. In the context of American First, xenophobia, and nationalism around the world, and Brexit in Britain as well, I wanted to highlight their achievements.
Trump, who is of Scottish and German descent, is one of the names featured on the books.
Cleveland Public Library Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland American First Mexican border wall James Cohan Gallery Yinka Shonibare Artnet immigration to the United States contemporary art DREAMers Brexit Donald Trump