Jess [1923–2004] was an influential artist who emerged in the 1950s from within the literary context of Beat culture in San Francisco. Focusing on his intimate ties to poetry, books, and printed matter, Jess: To and From the Printed Page features examples of his celebrated impastos together with many of his collages and designs, as well as the books and magazines in which they were reproduced.

Concentrating on art created especially for publication and reproduction, this exhibition is built on the idea that Jess’s imagery is a form of dialogue with the written word. Jess collaborated extensively with poets and other writers, and worked with small presses and limited-edition publications throughout his life. The diverse, intricate work presented in this exhibition rewards close and sustained viewing, and provides a sense of the intensely fertile literary and art-world environment in which he thrived.

The exhibition, curated by Ingrid Schaffner, senior curator at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Philadelphia, is accompanied by a 128-page illustrated catalogue.

Exhibition Itinerary
San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose, California
March 18 - June 10, 2007

Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Madison, Wisconsin
August 5 - September 23, 2007

Pasadena Museum of
California Art,
Pasadena, California
October 10, 2007 - January 6, 2008

Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center,
The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas
February 12 - April 8, 2008

Douglas F. Cooley Memorial Art Gallery, Reed College, Portland, Oregon
May 8 - July 20, 2008

Cornell Fine Arts Museum, Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida
January 22 - March 21, 2009

Tour Complete