(TULSA)— In a unique collaboration, PEN America, Magic City Books, and New York City-based artist and activist Ellis Angel will present The Censor’s Cut: Weavings for Intellectual Freedom, an art installation of paper weavings created from 16 banned books. The exhibition at Magic City Books opens Sept. 22 at the start of national Banned Books Week and will continue through Nov. 24.
Angel selected the books from among those banned in multiple states. Each 20” x 20” weaving uses shredded material from the titles, reimagined into a new form to challenge censorship, celebrate the freedom to read, and offer opportunities for dialogue about censorship and intellectual freedom.
Ellis’s collaboration with PEN America and Magic City Books aims to spark discussion and raise awareness about protecting the freedom to read. This year, PEN America’s preliminary documentation of book bans is showing a dramatic increase in books removed from public school classrooms and libraries– over 10,000 instances of bans during the full 2023-2024 school year (July 2023-June 2024).
These bans disproportionately target authors and books that have long fought for space on bookshelves, aimed particularly at content about sexual violence and rape, LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, and books with characters of color or that explore themes of race and racism. Book bans impact authors, educators, librarians, school boards – and, of course, readers.
The weavings will be displayed in the windows of Magic City Books, inviting viewers to engage with the powerful message of the artwork.
“We are thrilled to work with Ellis and Magic City Books to bring this important conversation to Tulsa,” said Andrew White, senior manager of PEN Across America. “Using art to advocate for free expression is especially powerful, as it celebrates our creative potential in the face of those who feel threatened by it.”
Jeff Martin, author, editor, and founder/executive director of the Tulsa Literary Coalition and Magic City Books said: “Even in a national moment of fear and uncertainty when the freedom to read is threatened more than in any recent era, I am filled with hope seeing artists like Ellis Angel taking those targeted titles and transforming them into an entirely new and powerful statement.”
About Ellis Angel
Ellis Angel is an activist and artist specializing in political paper weavings. Angel’s work addresses issues of censorship and freedom of expression through innovative artistic techniques.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Suzanne Trimel, [email protected], 201-247-5057
About Magic City Books
Magic City Books is an independent bookstore owned by the Tulsa Literary Coalition, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. Located in the vibrant Tulsa Arts District in downtown Tulsa, Magic City Books specializes in literary and popular fiction and narrative nonfiction for adults, offers carefully curated sections for children and teens, and provides literary programs and author events throughout the year.