KirjastoB

KirjastoB, also known as Library of B, is a conceptual repository and trading card game co-created by Finnish artist Kalle Varis in 2013. The game is part of a larger art project focused on value, reality, and experience. Initially, KirjastoB was created as a physical library of over 1,000 unique trading cards collected from various sources, including eBay, garage sales, thrift stores, and flea markets.

Each card in KirjastoB has a unique serial number, artist signature, and details about its acquisition and origin. The cards are categorized and arranged in a way that reflects the value, rarity, and usability of each piece. Over time, the cards have been exchanged and repurchased, creating a continuous loop of value and ownership.

The artist's intentions behind KirjastoB revolve around investigating and questioning traditional notions of value, property, and ownership. By creating a self-sustaining market, where cards can change hands multiple times, Varis aims to expose the arbitrary nature of value and the subjective experience of ownership. As a result, players are encouraged to redefine the meaning and value of each card based on its individual history and provenance.

The project continues to evolve through online platforms and exhibitions, incorporating various formats such as online trading and buying cards, stand-alone exhibitions, and even real-life auctions. As an interactive and dynamic project, KirjastoB invites contemplation and re-evaluation of the value assigned to the items it contains.