Jess, “The Enamord Mage: Translation #6,” 1965. Oil on canvas over wood, 24 1/2 x 30 in. Collection of The M. H. de Young Memorial Museum, Fine Arts Museums.
An Opening of the Field: Jess, Robert Duncan, and Their Circle at the Crocker Art Museum shows first-hand the power of friendship and love. As I entered the exhibition, having read a brief summary about the art work as well as about Jess Collins and Robert Duncan, I was excited and yet even more curious as to what I would be viewing. What I was fortunate enough to witness was an inside look into the intimate relationships Jess and Robert established with one another and their circle of friends. By the end of the exhibition I was positive I had personally known these fascinating artists and even counted myself a lucky member of their circle.
Jess, “Sent On The VIIth Wave,” 1979. Collage and mixed media, 39 x 33 in. The Buck Collection, Laguna Beach, CA.
Jess Collins and Robert Duncan met in the early ‘50s in San Francisco, beginning both a romantic and professional partnership that would secure them as one of the most incredible artistic couples of the 20th century. Throughout their relationship and with the help of Duncan’s poetry the couple was able to merge their interests and create art that encompasses cultural mythologies, transformative narrative, and adoption of images.
At the start of the exhibit we are immediately introduced to Jess and Robert as not only artists but people as well. With paintings depicting the intimate moments of their relationship and the hardships they endured with their friends it is no wonder how these artists came to be known as precursors of Postmodernism. As the exhibit continues the exploration into collage work erupts and the mutual mythological interest between Robert and Jess becomes apparent, specifically with the use of Tarot cards and mystical figures. With this, Robert and Jess begin to move away from the direct reflections of their relationships and instead use more abstract pieces to represent their lives as artists and the multitude of artists who created their circle.
Jess, “Feignting Spell,” 1954. Oil on canvas, 42 x 48 in. Collection of Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA.
In addition to Robert and Jess’ art the work of various other artists make up this exhibition, such as R.B. Kitaj, Edward Corbett, Wallace Berman, Lawrence Jordan, and George Herms, as well as poets Jack Spicer, Robin Blaser, and Michael McClure. Through the cohesive joining of these artists’ pieces and the astounding artwork of Jess and Robert, what emerges is a unique show with artistic styles that abound. But most importantly, this exhibition brings you into a world of courageous, unapologetic, immense love and is sure to leave you treasuring the friendships and love in your own life.
An Opening of the Field: Jess, Robert Duncan, and Their Circle can be seen at the Crocker Art Museum through September 1, 2013. The museum is open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm and Thursdays until 9pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.
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