Spitting in the wind: art from the end of the line, by Richard Allen Morris, John Baldessari, Bob Matheny, and Russell Baldwin
Oceanside, California: Oceanside Museum of Art, 2014. 75 illustrations (mostly color). 63 pp. Decorated paper covers. 21.7 x 28 cm. Dave Hampton's text chronicles the development of avant-garde art in San Diego (and, yes, there was such a thing), through the work of four then-young artists. "Spitting In The Wind" documents a vital yet largely unexamined aspect of Southern California art history, while acknowledging the long-standing friendships of Richard Allen Morris (b. 1933), John Baldessari (b. 1931), Bob Matheny (b. 1929) and Russell Baldwin (1933-2008). Although these four friends produced some of the most significant art in the region, their efforts often were ignored in insular, mid-century San Diego. "...A lot we did was just spitting into the wind..." is how Baldessari once characterized the energetic exhibition series, films and speaker programs, and performance/happenings at Southwestern College, where he taught with Bob Matheny. This exhibition at Oceanside Museum of Art from July 5 -- November 2, 2014, focused on the late 1950s and the 1960s (when these young artists frequently saw each other's work and exhibited together), and assembled some of the most fascinating objects and ideas associated with art in San Diego. Bookseller Lafayette Young was a crucially important early supporter, and his son, the poet Geoffrey Young, collaborated in the many literary creations of this vibrant community. A fine group of 30 installation and opening photographs can be seen at the museum's own page. Also includes, separately, "Gaps in the record: vanguard print culture in San Diego." San Diego History Center, 2018. A three-panel folder with 11 illustrations (mostly in color). 25.5 x 20.3 cm folded. It deals with the work of John Baldessari, Fred Cooper, Richard Allen Morris, and Guy Williams. Several copies of both are available. Please inquire about wholesale terms for an order of five or more. Item #41041
Price: $30.00