Introduction to Painting Exhibition: Forbidden Narratives – Paintings of Banned Books

October 31 – December 4 / ZSR Library 6th floor

This exhibition presents still life paintings of banned books. The traditional genre of still life, historically used to elevate the everyday, becomes a vehicle for confronting the suppression of ideas. These banned books—once hidden, challenged, or outlawed—are transformed into symbols of resistance and intellectual freedom.

Through these works, students from the Introduction to Painting class engage with both the technical aspects of painting and the broader themes surrounding the history of banned books. “Forbidden Narratives” invites viewers to reflect on the stories that have been silenced and the lasting significance of ideas that endure despite attempts to erase them.

-Molly Kaderka, Assistant Professor of Painting

Featuring Works from Introduction to Painting Students:

Isabella Acevedo
Laura Chan
Mattias Gebresilassie
Hope Maultsby
Ethan Randall
Rocio Saucedo
Vickey Shi
Madeleine Singh
Maggie Vance
Akata Wise
Thomas Wu