Katie Paterson

Future Library

About this artwork

Future Library is an expansive 100-year artwork that addresses themes relating to time, the environment and trust. In 2014, a forest was planted in Norway. It will supply the paper for a special anthology of books to be printed in 2114. One writer every year contributes a text, with the writings held in trust, unread and unpublished, until the 100 years has passed. Authors to date include Margaret Atwood (2014), David Mitchell (2015), Sjón (2016), Elif Shafak (2017) and Han Kang (2018). The manuscripts are stored in a special room in the new public library in Oslo. This certificate entitles National Galleries of Scotland to receive a complete set of the texts, once they are printed in 2114.

Updated before 2020

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  • artist:
    Katie Paterson (born 1981) Scottish
  • title:
    Future Library
  • date created:
    2014 - 2114
  • materials:
    Double-sided foil block print
  • measurements:
    42 cm x 29.7 cm (framed: 54.0 x 41.6 x 3.1 cm)
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased 2018. Future Library is commissioned and produced by Bjørvika Utvikling, and managed by the Future Library Trust. Supported by the City of Oslo, Agency for Cultural Affairs and Agency for Urban Environment.
  • accession number:
    GMA 5618
  • gallery:
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Katie Paterson

Katie Paterson