Ray JOHNSON: Small photographic collection (1966-1969)

Small photographic collection (1966-1969) documenting Ray Johnson’s works from a number of his earliest solo exhibitions. All photography by Geoffrey Clements and Eric Pollitzer as credited (except for one of the XL slides with no credit for which we can safely assume it was either Clements’ or Polilitzer’s work). Very interesting lot given the fact that Johnson had a precise idea of how these collages and assemblages should be photographed, giving meticulous instructions to the photographers as we can see in an illustrated letter he mailed to Geoffrey Clements in 1967 [Smithsonian, Record number (DSI- AAA)5703]. This is exactly how these intricate and complex works should be presented. The perfect viewing position, incorporating light and shadow in the work itself. A glimpse in an eccentric and unique mind. The four photographs are annotated in pencil on the back in two different hands, one of which is tempting to assume is Johnson’s. Collection comprises: 4 original photographs a. Roscoe Arbuckle 1968, 25,3×16,7 cm [full sheet]. Verso, Geoffrey Clement’s stamp and oversized Richard Feigen Gallery stamp with hand- written details of the work. Inventory number 13265-D and Negative number 59190. b. How Sad I am 1969, 25,3×20,5 cm [full sheet]. Verso, Eric Pollitzer’s stamp and oversized Richard Feigen Gallery stamp with hand-written details of the work. Inventory number 13793-D and Negative number 14993. c. Poster 1967, 25,3×20,5 cm [full sheet]. Verso, Eric Pollitzer’s stamp and oversized Richard Feigen Gallery stamp with hand-written details of the work. Inventory number 13221-D and Negative number 14295. Marked as in a Private New York collection. d. Shirley Temple II 1967, 23,4×20,5 cm [full sheet]. Verso, Geoffrey Clement’s stamp and oversized Richard Feigen Gallery stamp with hand- written details of the work. Inventory number 13262-D and Negative number 59188. * 3 XL format [approx 20×25 cm] colour slides in clear sleeves with pasted labels. Two of them with “Color Photography | Eric Pollitzer” sticker. e. Thin Comb with what appears to be once more A Richard Feigen Gallery inventory number [#12961-D]. No photographer credited. Defect on the upper right corner due to inadequate storage and/or moisture damage f. One-Third | Two-Thirds | Three-Thirds Defect on the lower left corner due to inadequate storage and/or moisture damage g. Hair Bow Comb | Sel Defect on the upper right corner due to inadequate storage and/or moisture damage