The Self-Help Library
Series of 50, custom-made hardbound books, 2021 - 2025
A collection of 50, oddly specific self-help books that I wish had existed to help me become a better parent, man, citizen, worker and anything else needed to succeed as an immigrant trying to make home in the American Southwest.
Initially made in collaboration with Tempe Public Library and commissioned by Tempe Public Art, the library has been exhibited at Phoenix Art Museum, Tucson Art Museum, Practical Art Gallery, El Paso Museum of Art, Museo de Arte de Ciudad Juárez, Rubenstein Arts Center at Duke University, Public Space One Close House and Fine Arts Center at Colorado College.
Some books from The Self-Help Library collection:
An important part of the Self-Help Library is community participation in being able to contribute their own oddly specific self-help book titles. These titles are then typed with a typewriter and look reminiscent of vintage library cards.
