Unveiling the Invisible: An Artist's Protest Against Censorship

At the forefront of the fight against book bans and censorship, a multi-disciplinary artist is using his creative voice to make a powerful statement. Luke Warren, a recent addition to the Department of Art + Design faculty at APSU, channels his personal experiences and strong convictions into his work with the Unbannable Library project.

A Lifelong Passion for Reading

Warren’s relationship with reading has been anything but straightforward. "I am severely dyslexic and have several processing differences that not only shape who I am but also created significant challenges for me during my early years," he explains. As a young child, he faced the devastating doubt of a teacher who told him he was "stupid" and would "never amount to much."

Fortunately, his parents intervened, connecting him with a developmental reading specialist who transformed his life. "Without her, I wouldn't be where I am today at APSU," he acknowledges.

Championing Intellectual Freedom

This early adversity has infused Warren's artistic practice with a profound appreciation for the power of reading. "Reading offers a pathway to knowledge, exposing us to new ideas, dialogues, and perspectives, often from people with backgrounds different from our own," he reflects. "It is essential to engage with different viewpoints to foster global citizenship and a more inclusive society."

This belief in the importance of intellectual freedom is at the heart of his involvement in the Unbannable Library project. "Libraries should be places of  exploration, not censorship, where individuals can encounter new and challenging ideas," he asserts. Drawing on his own experience with a teacher who hindered his development, he is dedicated to maintaining spaces where people are free to explore subjects that interest them.

Visualizing the Invisible

For his contribution to the Unbannable Library, Warren has created a thought-provoking sculpture that symbolizes the erasure and camouflaging of books. "The inspiration comes from one of my father's favorite jokes: camouflage makes everything it's on invisible," he explains. This concept has been transformed into a powerful statement on book censorship.

The sculpture features a plush, pillow-like book form that appears camouflaged, seemingly hidden from view. Yet, upon closer inspection, the pages inside are bright and vibrant, "demanding attention." This duality, Warren suggests, mirrors the ways in which censorship attempts to conceal and suppress ideas.

Inviting Interaction and Engagement

Warren’s work invites viewers to actively engage with the sculpture, breaking down the barriers of invisibility. "I hope viewers will write in/on this work and give it plenty of hugs!" he says. The pillow-like form and a more rigid, bookmark-like element encourage tactile interaction, allowing viewers to "bring it back into focus" and "metaphorically breathe life back into its pages."

A Call for Civil Discourse

Through his contribution to the Unbannable Library, Warren aims to convey a powerful message about the current state of censorship and the importance of free expression. "I want to highlight that censorship is at an all-time high and that free expression is under threat," he explains. However, his approach is not one of confrontation, but rather a call for civil discourse.

"If someone disagrees with a text, they can choose not to read it, but they should not attempt to erase it from existence or from public libraries," he asserts. Warren believes that art can create a space for nuanced discussions, helping individuals become more aware of contemporary issues and movements in censorship.

A Lasting Impact

As the Unbannable Library project unfolds, Warren hopes it will raise awareness about censorship in libraries and inspire viewers to engage in the conversation. "I want viewers to be inspired by these works to engage in the conversation and offer their support," he says. Ultimately, he believes the project will provide clear, visual representations of the complex issue of censorship, encouraging critical thinking and action to address emerging censorship practices.

For Warren, the Unbannable Library project is not just an artistic endeavor, but a deeply personal expression of his journey with reading and his unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom. Through his work, he hopes to ensure that the voices and stories deemed "unbannable" will continue to be celebrated and amplified. You can learn more about Warren and his art at lukewarrenart.com.

Join us for an Unbannable Library Reception on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 5 PM - 6 PM in the Woodward Library, room 232. This gathering offers a chance to connect with authors and illustrators featured in the Unbannable Library. Your presence and participation will enrich our ongoing dialogue about the value of diverse voices in literature. No RSVP required. All are welcome.