We usually think of an artist working alone, but few artists thrive in a social vacuum. Even those who prefer to work in silence away from outside intrusions may seek out other artists for different reasons, e.g., mentorship, inspiration, practical advice, a sense of solidarity or shared purpose.

Artists are often one another’s first and most important audience, providing vital feedback and support before external critics can view and comment on their work. In this regard, two artists caring about one another’s work is fundamental to the development of each artist and his/her “world.”

SAAM’s Artist to Artist exhibit features eight pairings of artists from the Museum’s extensive 20th century holdings. While we won’t have time to examine all eight pairings in depth, following is a list of the artist pairs from which the docent will select:

• Yayoi Kusama and Joseph Cornell

• George Tooker and Paul Cadmus

• Lois Mailou Jones and Elizabeth Catlett

• Frank O’Hara and Grace Hartigan

• Yasuo Kuniyoshi and Bumpei Usui

• Thomas Hart Benton and Jackson Pollock

• Joan Brown and Elmer Bischoff

• Ray Yoshida and Christina Ramberg.

Each pairing represents two artists whose lives intersected at a creatively critical moment, whether as student and teacher, professional allies, or close friends. These personal interactions represented by the selected art works helped shape and sustain American art. 

To join, RSVP to park21217@aol.com for Zoom meeting information.

Recording available for 50 days. Access Passcode: SAAM_N8V_7_26