On Thursday, September 15, Jenny Harris, COSI Research Fellow for Modern and Contemporary Art at The Art Institute of Chicago presented a talk on her research into the fascinating connections between the seminal Pop Art figure, Ray Johnson, and Sybil Shearer. Her investigation was inspired by the acquisition of a collection of Ray Johnson’s Taoist Collages and related correspondence with Shearer that were recently purchased by the Museum from the Morrison-Shearer Foundation. Months of research led her to discover Johnson’s surprising ties to dance and the dance world, resulting in an in-depth article in the NY Times. (see below)
At the event, Harris shared her discoveries that have revealed a previously unknown part of Johnson’s life and work. The full house at the lunch-time gathering was deeply appreciative of the new insights into these two seminal artists and their unexpected relationship.
Jenny Harris addresses the audience at the Arts Club Chicago
