Pepon Osorio: Reform

eForm documents the creative process of artist Pepón Osorio as he translates the closure of Fairhill Elementary School, Philadelphia into a moving installation that honours the history of this school through collaborations with the many generations of students who were taught there.

This beautiful artist’s book is a limited edition letter-pressed facsimile of Osorio’s sensitively created, hand-written homage to the school pupils’ classroom exercise books.

Fairhill Elementary was one of 23 schools that the Philadelphia Public School District closed in 2013. These closures follow a pattern of systemic disinvestment in low-income communities of colour across the United States.

Osorio’s multi-media immersive installation was built with objects salvaged from the closed school including books, furniture, and fixtures such as trophy cases that signify the shared history of this proud Latino community in North Philadelphia.

Featuring new writings from authors including revered American artist, Martha Rosler, and Nato Thompson, Chief Curator at the New York-based public arts institution Creative Time.

Publisher: Art Editions North | Purchase