Welcoming the Flowers

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Welcoming the Flowers

Artist John Giorno (American, 1936 - 2019)

Publisher Durham Press

Date2006

Dimensions16 ½ x 16 ½ inches (41.91 x 41.91 cm)

MediumScreenprint on Coventry Rag 335 g/m2 paper Edition 13/70

ClassificationPrints

Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Levis, by exchange

Object number

2008.3C

Not on View

Label TextJohn Giorno, one of the leading lights of the New York beat generation, devised the legendary event at the Museum of Modern Art in 1970, during which different poems could be listened to everyday on answering machines. The LP produced later, entitled The DIAL-A-POEM Poets, features the highlights from among 700 poems by 55 poets. The Giorno Poetry System record label artist collective he founded in 1965 focused on the innovative use of new technologies. In Welcoming the Flowers Giorno combines lines of poetry with beautiful color and typography to make an unexpectedly rich visual experience. Not attempting to “illustrate” the lines, Giorno instead lets the language become the imagery. Individually the prints are lusciously rich; all together they belie the idea that text-based art must be dry or visually uninteresting.Exhibition HistoryTMA, Word Play (October 16, 2009- February 7, 2010)