JOHN CAGE & CALVIN SUMSION
(Los Angeles 1912–1992 New York City) (Provo 1942–2014 Pleasant Grove)
From: Not Wanting To Say Anything About Marcel. 1969.
Multiple. 8 screenprinted acrylic glass panels, walnut wood base, instruction sheet and accompanying booklet. 106/125. On the wooden base lower right with the engraved signatures: John Cage Cal Sumsion.
Dimensions acrylic glass panels each 35.6 × 50.8 cm.
Dimensions wooden base 61 × 37 cm.
Plexigram III from the series of the same name.
In the original cardboard box.
‘Not Wanting to Say Anything about Marcel’ is regarded as a work of significant art-historical importance, marking John Cage’s first in-depth engagement with the visual arts. Members of the New York art scene, who recognised his keen visual sensibility at an early stage, encouraged him to take this step. Beyond his work as a composer, Cage thus deliberately ventured into the field of the visual arts.
Like his musical works, his graphic oeuvre is characterised by a spirit of experimentation and innovation; it bears witness to his tireless endeavour to challenge and push the boundaries of art.