In Focus

From "In Walked Bud" by David Johnson. Image used with permission.
Exhibition: Jazz and the Book Arts

February 24 – June 16, 2014

Improvisation is the word that first comes to mind for many when they think of jazz.  Imagine musicians playing together, being inspired by each other’s performance, and collaborating to make something new.  Many visual artists take a similar approach, especially those working in the highly collaborative field of the book arts.  This exhibition showcases artists who have been inspired by jazz music and musicians to create bookworks. 

[Ex Libris Vogel] by Anna Macková, 1920, 17.7 x 12.4 cm.
Featured Item from the Yale Bookplate Collection

Anna Macková (1887-1969) was a Czech painter and printmaker. Early on her work was influenced by traditional folk art as well as Art Nouveau, though over time she developed her own style and was known for her skillful depictions of nature—especially animals. A stylized peacock dominates the curvilinear composition of this woodcut bookplate.