Writing a Chrysanthemum: The Drawings of Rick Barton

The first-ever book on Bay Area Beat artist Rick Barton showcases his unique drawing style, blending Cocteau with Japanese and Renaissance printmaking. Born in New York and settled in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1950s, Barton's work captured the world around him, including his room, cafes, lovers, friends, and ornate churches and botanical subjects. This exhibition brings together over 60 drawings, two accordion-folded sketchbooks, and printed portfolios and books, with a researched essay by Rachel Federman.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2022
Publisher: Distributed Art Publishers

This first-ever book on the Bay Area Beat artist reveals a unique drawing style that dovetails Cocteau with Japanese and Renaissance printmaking. Rick Barton should have been a San Francisco legend, declared author and artist Etel Adnan in a 1998 essay. Working primarily in pen or brush and ink in a kaleidoscopic linear style, Barton (1928–92), who was born and raised in New York and settled in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1950s, ceaselessly recorded the world around him, whether the enclosed space of his room, the cafes in which he spent his days, his lovers and friends, or the ornate churches and botanical subjects that seem to have held particular fascination for him. Flourishing in San Francisco's gay and Beat subcultures of the 1950s and 60s, Barton accrued a group of disciples who were drawn to his singular style, which synthesized sources as disparate as Renaissance and Japanese woodblock prints and the delicate line drawings of Jean Cocteau. Bringing together more than 60 drawings, two accordion-folded sketchbooks, and printed portfolios and books, Writing a Chrysanthemum: The Drawings of Rick Barton presents for the first time the work of this unique artist who was a significant, and until now unheralded, figure of the Beat era. Rachel Federman, the curator of the exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum, has written a deeply researched essay on the artist and his work. An excerpt of Adnan's essay—the first published account of Barton—is reprinted in the catalog.

Rick Barton: The Unsung Beat Artist

Rick Barton, a Bay Area Beat artist, emerged in the mid-20th century with a distinctive drawing style that blended elements of Cocteau, Japanese printmaking, and Renaissance art. Despite his talent and contributions to the artistic community, Barton remains relatively unknown. This first-ever book on Barton delves into his life and work, shedding light on his unique artistic vision.

Barton's artistic journey began in New York, where he was born in 1928. He later settled in the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1950s, drawn by the city's vibrant artistic scene. His pen or brush and ink technique, characterized by a kaleidoscopic linear style, allowed him to capture the essence of his surroundings with precision and detail. Whether it was the intimate spaces of his room, the bustling cafes where he spent his days, his lovers and friends, or the ornate churches and botanical subjects that fascinated him, Barton's drawings captured the essence of the world around him.

One of the defining features of Barton's style was his ability to synthesize different artistic influences. He drew inspiration from Renaissance artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo, as well as Japanese woodblock prints and the delicate line drawings of Jean Cocteau. His work seamlessly blended these diverse sources, creating a unique visual language that was both contemporary and timeless.

Barton's influence extended beyond his artistic community. He was a member of San Francisco's gay and Beat subcultures of the 1950s and 60s, where his singular style resonated with those who were drawn to his unique perspective. His followers were captivated by his ability to capture the essence of human relationships and the complexities of the human experience in his drawings.

Writing a Chrysanthemum: The Drawings of Rick Barton is a comprehensive collection of Barton's work, featuring over 60 drawings, two accordion-folded sketchbooks, and printed portfolios and books. This book provides a rare opportunity to explore the full range of Barton's artistic achievements.

In addition to the visual feast, the book also includes a deeply researched essay by Rachel Federman, the curator of the exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum. Federman's essay provides a comprehensive overview of Barton's life and work, shedding light on his artistic influences, his social context, and his impact on the Beat movement.

Rick Barton's artistic legacy deserves to be recognized and celebrated. His unique drawing style, which combined elements of Renaissance, Japanese, and Beat art, has left a lasting impression on the artistic community. This first-ever book on Barton provides a valuable insight into the life and work of this unsung Beat artist, allowing his legacy to live on and inspire future generations.

Weight: 907g
Dimension: 284 x 221 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636810386