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Experience Mary Shelley's timeless masterpiece through the lens of contemporary collage artists. Frankenstein; or, the Modern Prometheus is reimagined in this exhibition, where literature and art converge to explore its enduring themes.

Artists interpret Shelley's novel in the context of today’s world, addressing:

• Science and artificial intelligence: Echoing Shelley's cautionary tale, artists reflect on the ethical dilemmas of unchecked technological advancement.
• Queerness and intersectional identities: The monster’s isolation becomes a metaphor for marginalization, offering a lens on contemporary social dynamics.
• Narcissism and modern relationships: Victor Frankenstein’s self-absorption provides a framework for examining personal and societal disconnection.

This exhibition invites viewers to engage with Frankenstein in a new light, where past and present collide in striking visual form.

Participating Artists

Claire Dannenbaum (Eugene, Oregon, USA) | Emily Denlinger (Cape Girardeau, Missouri, USA) | Suzanne Greenberg (New York, New York, USA) | David Edward Johnson (Skaneateles, New York, USA) | Anthony D Kelly (Castlebar, County Mayo, Ireland) | Maureen Letton (San Francisco, California, USA) | Anissa Malady (San Francisco, California, USA) | Rebecca Steiner (Lyme, Connecticut, USA) | Jessica TranVo (Boston, Massachusetts, USA) | Anthony Naimo (Spruce Pine, North Carolina, USA) | Elzbieta Zdunek (Berlin, Germany) | Marta Janik (Warsaw, Poland)

"Collage artists, with their unique ability to transcend scale, place, and history, are well-suited to giving us pictures that bring vintage texts into the contemporary moment." — Ric Kasini Kadour, Kolaj Institute Director.

Opening Reception: Thursday, April 3, 2025 (part of SF First Thursday Art Walk)

Related Event: Presentation: Frankenstein in Collage Illustration - Artists' Perspectives--Sat., April 19, 10 a.m., Virtual Library

This exhibit is part of SFPL's 100 Years of Surrealism celebration.