Sidney B. Felsen: Richard Serra at Gemini

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Sidney has functioned as the extended hand and eyes of many of the best artists of the second half of the twentieth century- it is an overwhelming line-up. I prefer to think of Sidney as a muse rather than a producer; the assimilation of his aura a stimulant to the process. - Richard Serra Beginning in 1972, Richard Serra has made over 320 print editions at the Los Angeles artists' workshop and fine-art publisher Gemini G.E.L.-more than any other artist. Gemini co-founder Sidney B. Felsen has had the good fortune and privilege of witnessing the birth of each and every of these editions, camera in hand. Early on, Felsen realized there was an intrusive element to photographing someone engaged in the private, meditative moments of making art, and his ally became the close friendships with artists he developed throughout the decades, along with his subtle manner: "Taking photographs," says Serra, "is Sidney's way of watching over not watching us." Although sculpture is the most public aspect of Serra's practice, drawing and printmaking play crucial roles, both as independent pieces and in working towards sculpture. Richard Serra at Gemini presents a selection from nearly 3,000 photos by Felsen, revealing ways in which Serra has remade the conventions of printmaking, and celebrating 50 years of ongoing friendship and collaboration.

Author Bio

Born in Chicago in 1924, Sidney B. Felsen moved in 1939 to Los Angeles, where he has lived and worked since. Felsen began photographing at the age of 11 and over the next 40 years studied painting, drawing, ceramics and printmaking at institutions including the Chouinard Art Institute and the University of California. In 1966 he co-founded Gemini G.E.L., an artists' workshop and publisher of hand-printed limited-edition prints and sculptures by world-renowned artists. For decades Felsen has documented the artists at work at Gemini and on their travels, capturing intimate moments of creativity and imagination. His photographs have been exhibited at the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., and Newport Harbor Art Museum, among other institutions. Felsen's photo archive is held by the Getty Research Institute and select works are in the Getty Museum's collection.