Explore the mystery of books in The Reading Room

Book lovers are encouraged to explore The Reading Room, an innovative contemporary art installation at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG).

The Reading Room, the latest in TMAG’s major contemporary art series Star/Dust, is by Tasmanian artist Brigita Ozolins and follows the successful Volcano Lover by Lucy Bleach.

The Star/Dust series, which is presented with the support of Detached Cultural Organisation (Detached), aims to attract and engage a wide cross section of the community with contemporary art experiences.

The Reading Room is an installation that asks audiences to consider how the written and spoken word affects our understanding of the world, others and ourselves.

Thousands of books line the gallery walls and are scattered throughout the space in piles, along with armchairs that allow visitors to browse the eclectic collection and delve randomly into worlds of thought and imagination.

While seated, visitors can also watch videos of well-known Tasmanians reading aloud from their favourite books.

Visitors can also become part of The Reading Room by visiting the artist’s website, and uploading a video of their own reading to contribute to the online dimension of this project.

As part of the Star/Dust series the installation includes a full public and education program developed by Brigita in close consultation with TMAG curators and AccessArt team.

The Reading Room is open until 16 October 2011.

Admission to the exhibition and TMAG public programs is free.

The third installation in the Star/Dust series, To Catch a Tiger by James Newitt, will open in November.