Ray Johnson
dal 27/2/2004 al 10/4/2004
Segnalato da
27/2/2004
Ray Johnson
Manny Silverman Gallery, Los Angeles
An exhibition of works presented in conjunction with the west coast premiere of the feature length film on Johnson, 'How to Draw a Bunny.' Both the film and exhibition provide a special look into the life and work of an unique and influential artist who helped form the leading edge from pre-Pop to Postmodern art and into the confluence of cultural currents in the latter half of the 20th century.
How to Draw a Bunny
Reception: Saturday, February 28, 6-9pm
Manny Silverman Gallery is proud to announce an exhibition of works by Ray
Johnson presented in conjunction with the west coast premiere of the
feature length film on Johnson, 'How to Draw a Bunny.' Both the film and
exhibition provide a special look into the life and work of an unique and
influential artist who helped form the leading edge from pre-Pop to
Postmodern art and into the confluence of cultural currents in the latter
half of the 20th century.
Ray Johnson (1927-1995), considered one of the seminal figures of Pop Art
was known as the 'founding father of Mail art,' 'collagist extraordinaire,'
and 'New York's most famous unknown artist.' Johnson's collages,
constructions and mail art is now considered to have been ahead of its time
in its conceptual approach and a challenge to the commercial and critical
art establishment.
The exhibition will include many works shown in the film, as well as a group
of 'portraits' of artists, celebrities and unknowns alike, who engaged Ray
Johnson's imagination. The eponymous 'bunny heads' will be represented by a
group of multiples from Johnson's New York Correspondence School, and by a
selection of more conceptual collages made shortly before his death.
The documentary film 'How to Draw a Bunny,' by John Walter and Andrew Moore
will premier at the Laemmle Sunset 5 Theater on Friday, March 12, 2004 and
run through Thursday, March 25. The film, driven by an inquiry into
Johnson's mysterious suicide in 1995, which some consider to be his final
'performance' is itself a collage of photographs, artworks, interviews,
letters and home movies that flow together like a jazz ensemble. It includes
interviews with Roy Lichtenstein, Christo, Chuck Close, James Rosenquist,
and Johnson himself; and explores the fascinating and often humorous world
of an enigmatic artist and underground icon.
This exhibition is held in cooperation with Richard Feigen & Co., New York
and the Estate of Ray Johnson. For further information or photographic
material please contact Linda Hooper, Gallery Director.
Image:
"Untitled (Joseph Cornell Bunny with Sand and Swan)"
no date, mixed media collage, 11 1/2 x 8 1/2"
Manny Silverman Gallery
619 N. Almont Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90069
(310) 659-8256, fax (310) 659-1001