One of the best things about being the regular framer for the Museum of Contemporary Art here in San Diego is getting to work directly with so many 20th century works that are significant in the history of modern art.
The Frame Maker staff is composed largely of working artists, (7 of 10 people), including graduates of the San Diego State and UCSD fine art programs and the Design & Production program at North Carolina School of the Arts.
We love and respect the work we are privileged to handle through MCASD, and it remains a surprising pleasure sometimes to discover the details of a piece of art inthe shop for framing.
Jasper Johns: Light Bulb, which opened at MCASD La Jolla in January, is a perfect example. We framed an edition of Johns’ “1st Etchings, 2nd State” to complete a larger Johns series originally framed by and exhibited at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC in 2007.
These prints were made in 1969, and the labo and care in their creation was revealed in their original presentation and shipping crate delivered to Irving Blum Galleries in Los Angeles, CA.
original shipping label from ULAE
original hard portfolio produced by ULAE
series title as printed on ULAE portfolio box
Each of these sheets of paper had been so carefully produced and packed for history’s sake that opening it was like a window onto another time, especially if you’re a fan of 60’s pop art.
finished Jasper Johns frames on the way to MCASD
There are terrific images of this series of prints in the brochure PDF from the 2007 NGA show here. MCASD curator Stephanie Hanor’s take on Johns’ iconic work is insightful and dramatically presented in the La Jolla space. Vast sections of text to ponder on the walls offer a thoughtful visual allusion to the deeper significance of Johns’ visually diminutive icons. We enjoyed this installation and highly recommend it.
We are always happy to be invited to the Members’ openings for shows at MCASD, and were extra pleased that one of our friends at MCASD, Cynthia Tuomi, got permission for us to take pictures this time.
Tom Houk & Jason Sherry of The Frame Maker @ MCASD
There’s also a piece by Gary Simmonds currently installed in the forecourt that we loved, so now’s a great time to check out MCASD La Jolla!
Gary Simmonds @ MCASD
