SISTER, HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHAT WE STAND FOR?
Henry Darger (1892–1973)
Henry Darger (1892–1973) adopted countless images from popular-media sources, such as newspapers, magazines, comics, and cartoons, but no single source influenced him as steadily as the coloring book. This intimate exhibition features nine examples culled from the extensive archives of the museum’s Henry Darger Study Center, illustrating the primary role the coloring book played for this important twentieth-century artist.
“Up Close: Henry Darger and the Coloring Book” is supported in part by the Leir Charitable Foundations in memory of Henry J. & Erna D. Leir; the Gerard C. Wertkin Exhibition Fund; the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; and with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State’s 62 counties.
Only Trees. Trees Not Bees
Henry Darger (1892–1973)
Chicago
Mid-20th century
Collage on coloring book cover
14 1/2 x 10 1/2 in.
American Folk Art Museum, gift of Kiyoko Lerner, 2003.7.228
© Kiyoko Lerner; photo by Gavin Ashworth
Sister, Have You Forgotten What We Stand For?
Henry Darger (1892–1973)
Chicago
After 1916
Watercolor, pencil, and collage on cardboard
11 x 15 3/4 in.
American Folk Art Museum, gift of Kiyoko Lerner, 2003.7.205a
© Kiyoko Lerner; photo by Gavin Ashworth
Untitled (Little Girl)
Henry Darger (1892–1973)
Chicago
Mid-20th century
Coloring book page with carbon tracing
13 x 10 1/2 in.
American Folk Art Museum, gift of Kiyoko Lerner, 2003.7.216
© Kiyoko Lerner; photo by Gavin Ashworth
Untitled (Girl Drawing)
Henry Darger (1892–1973)
Chicago
After 1954
Paper calendar with pencil and carbon tracing
13 3/4 x 11 1/4 in.
American Folk Art Museum, gift of Kiyoko Lerner, 2003.7.217a
© Kiyoko Lerner; photo by Gavin Ashworth
Untitled (Two Girls Ironing)
Henry Darger (1892–1973)
Chicago
After 1959
Watercolor and pencil on coloring book pages with Christmas Seal stamps, mounted on board
11 1/2 x 14 in.
American Folk Art Museum, gift of Kiyoko Lerner, 2003.7.221
© Kiyoko Lerner; photo by Gavin Ashworth
Pictures of Scenery Only
Henry Darger (1892–1973)
Chicago
After 1949
Coloring book covers with denim spine
14 x 12 in. (closed)
American Folk Art Museum, gift of Kiyoko Lerner, 2003.7.224
© Kiyoko Lerner; photo by Gavin Ashworth
“Up Close: Henry Darger and the Coloring Book” is supported in part by the Leir Charitable Foundations in memory of Henry J. & Erna D. Leir; the Gerard C. Wertkin Exhibition Fund; the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; and with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, celebrating 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State’s 62 counties.
