Nina Katchadourian at Catharine Clark Gallery

Two Libraries: Recently Sorted Books is the latest in Ms. Katchadourian’s twenty-year project series, Sorted Books. “Once Upon a Time in Delaware/In Quest of the Perfect Book,” and “Family Gathering” are insightful, clever, and multi-layered. From the meta-narratives of the juxtaposed works, the book composition, to the photography, there is plenty to see and to re-view. The series explores thematic, literary, narrative, and design conventions to often ironic and hilarious effect: one sequence of books reads “An Unsocial Socialist—Adrift on an Ice Pan—At the North Pole.” Accompanying this exhibit is one of her video projects, “In a Room Full of Strangers,” which also demonstrates her fresh and engaging way of mixing genres, styles, and periods. Catharine Clark Gallery was one of the galleries that recently moved from downtown to the design- and art-oriented neighborhood of Potrero Flats. This exhibit showcased the new space while highlighting the long collaboration between gallerist and artist.

Nina Katchadourian, Two Libraries: Recently Sorted Books, Catharine Clark Gallery, San Francisco, through 15 February 2014.

Nina Katchadourian, “The Gentle Reader,” C-Print, from Once Upon a Time in Delaware/In Quest of the Perfect Book, Two Libraries: Recently Sorted Books, Catharine Clark Gallery, San Francisco

Nina Katchadourian, Installation View, Two Libraries: Recently Sorted Books, Catharine Clark Gallery, San Francisco, photograph by J.H.White

Nina Katchadourian, “Therapy,” from Family Gathering, C-Print, Two Libraries: Recently Sorted Books, Catharine Clark Gallery, San Francisco

Nina Katchadourian, “In a Room Full of Strangers” from Seat Assignment, Brightsign media players, monitors and wooden frames, In a Room Full of Strangers, Catharine Clark Gallery, San Francisco