Daphne Gerou

(Less Than) Beautiful
(2008)

Daphne Gerou is a Toronto based visual artist whose overall art practice points to drawing as a primary medium. She studies fine arts at the Toronto School of Art, and is currently pursuing an Art History undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. Gerou's work has been included in group and curated exhibitions in Toronto, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Berlin. Her work has also appeared in literary publications such as Vallum and Fireweed. Gerou has received grants from the Ontario Arts Council, and drawing awards from both the John B. Aird Gallery and the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition.

The materials that I used to create the books in my library were either on hand, or came to be (like the matchbook) throughout the course of the project. The theme that emerged in the books is one that points to interpersonal dynamics and the human experience in general. The theme that emerged in my creative process is a tension between pretty packaging and not-so-pretty content. I called the library "(Less than) Beautiful."