NEW YORK, NY.- Jen Bekman Gallery presents Ideal Bookshelf, an exhibition of works on paper and book signing by artist Jane Mount. Late last year, Little Brown published My Ideal Bookshelf by Jane Mount and Thessaly La Force, which features more than one hundred of the artist's illustrations along with essays from the leading cultural figures whose favorite books are depicted in gouache paintings by the artist. During the opening reception, Mount will be signing copies of the book.

Ideal Bookshelf will be on view Saturday, February 9th, through Sunday, February 24th.

“Books are mementos, badges, inspirations and reminders of life-changing moments,” Jane told the New Yorker in 2009, which was already two years after Jane started painting people’s bookshelves—her brother’s, one of her favorite chef’s, a very popular blogger’s—several of which were released through 20x200 and exhibited in group shows at the gallery. They’re also something of an insight into people’s hearts and souls. Through the works in the exhibition and book, Jane creates a different type of portrait of people; famous people to an extent but, more importantly, interesting people with distinct memories and curious brains and surprising careers, all of which are reflected via their bookshelves. With her bright, clean, ink-and-gouache paintings of books, Jane (who studied anthropology) reveals to us not only how interesting people see the world via their choice in books, but she also stirs up emotions within ourselves as we realize the bonds and personal connections we too have built with our own books.

Jane Mount is an artist and illustrator, born in Atlanta and formed in Manhattan. In past incarnations she has studied anthropology, co-founded three companies, and won awards for her graphic and interior design skills. Her paintings of bookshelves have caught the eye of media outlets including the New Yorker, The Paris Review, DailyCandy, and InStyle. She lives in northern California with her Swiss husband and two cats.