A View from the Stacks: Intern Collection



This Fall, we asked our Intern Whitney Frazier to create a virtual collection by collecting digital images of some aspect of the library collection. For example, she could collect images of bookplates in the collection, of details on binding, books with funny titles, or books on a particular subject – the possibilities were endless. You'll find Whitney's collection below, along with a brief explanation of how she chose her images. Great work Whitney!



Click on the  image for a larger version.

In order to find a topic for a collection found in the Jean Outland Chrysler Museum I had to think of someone or something that has inspired me. I thought back to my Art History classes at Old Dominion and I came up with the ever fascinating Salvador Dalí. His life, like his art, was questioned for their sanity and reason. His works allow the viewer into another dimension of manifestations and curiosities. He was a widely talented artist who used many mediums of art including, photography, painting, sketching, writing, etc.
Through my research, I was able to find many great resources including, gallery books, personal works by Dalí, photojournalistic novels, and homage’s to his life’s work. Through these many works, I have collected a fascinating arrangement of his evolution from a young painter to an award winning gentlemen. Dalí’s love of expressing himself through his art work and himself allowed the world a peek into his magnificent life. Some of my favorite pictures I’ve chosen were from a photojournalistic work called Dalí’s Mustache by Salvador Dalí and his long time friend and photographer Philippe Halsman. The photos of his mustache in figurative displays are part of a series of questions and answers from Philippe to Dalí utilizing his mustache. This brilliant and creative work is an instant smile upon ones face. The love for his mustache during and after his life is symbols of his quirky personality. Another favorite of mine is a picture taken from the photojournalistic work called Sight and Insight by his friend Halsman. The photo is called Dalí Atomicus, which took more than 20 tries to accomplish the picture shown. This photo is portrayed by the launching of cats into water and Dalí jumping gleefully with paintbrush in hand. This painting is an all in one view into the Surrealist mind of Dalí.

This research allowed me to explore the great treasure that is the Jean Outland Chrysler Library. I have learned more about the Library and Salvador Dalí in my research of this collection.

 - Whitney Frazier, Library Intern Fall 2010