Unknown (Damen, Bob; Lipofsky, Marvin)

Original Exhibition Poster: American Art Incorporated

n/p: n/p, 1981. Limited First Printing. Single Sheet. Signed by [unconfirmed artist] Bob Damen. This poster (appx. 20” x 26 3/8”) presents a challenge in identifying both artist and subject. “American Art Incorporated” is not a known entity or organization anywhere on the internet, and the only source that names anything similarly is the Smithsonian Institution’s Marvin Lipofsky papers within the “Exhibitions and Gallery Files, 1966-2016" section. This indicates that the event was most likely an art exhibition either attended or participated in by Lipofsky. It cannot be confirmed whether the Smithsonian’s reference is the same design or another since images are not provided, but their entry is dated 1981.  Marvin Lipofsky (1938-2016) was a pioneering American glass artist from whose collection we obtained this print. Lipofsky was a central figure in the dissemination of the American Studio Glass Movement, introducing it to California through his tenure as an instructor at the University of California, Berkeley. His abstract sculptures and experimental techniques were ground-breaking in the 1970s, and the design of this print uses a surrealist style with many objects and figures, including what appear to be flying pigs, forming a frame around a central sky-blue background. There are several unique artistic mediums represented: two wooden ducks appear to open up as a secret box, a wooden rocking chair floats in the upper right corner, a unique and colorful tea kettle is on the opposite side, the bottom left corner shows a plate and a glass chalice of sorts. The oddly-shaped balloon toward which the pigs are flying resembles one of Lipofsky’s signature glass sculptures. The theory stands that American Art Incorporated was an exhibition of non-traditional art forms featuring a selection of uniquely talented artists, Lipofsky being among them. Perhaps also among them was Bob Damen (1900-1990), the suspected designer of this poster as indicated by the faint signature in the bottom right corner. It is difficult to discern, and he is obscure enough to remain unconfirmed as of this writing. This print is numbered “44/100” in the same faint pencil along the bottom edge.  The uncut top and bottom edges of the thick cardstock print evoke a medieval scroll. Single sheet: presumed limited first edition, first-&-only printing, as was usual for event posters during this era. In relatively very fine condition with limited bumping, dimpling in only a few places; largely, pristine. Very Fine. [Item #7315]

Price: $75.00