Sidney B. Felsen: Richard Serra at Gemini

Description

Sidney has functioned as the extended hand and eyes of many of the best artists of the second half of the twentieth century- it is an overwhelming line-up. I prefer to think of Sidney as a muse rather than a producer; the assimilation of his aura a stimulant to the process. – Richard Serra

Beginning in 1972, Richard Serra has made over 320 print editions at the Los Angeles artists’ workshop and fine-art publisher Gemini G.E.L.-more than any other artist. Gemini co-founder Sidney B. Felsen has had the good fortune and privilege of witnessing the birth of each and every of these editions, camera in hand. Early on, Felsen realized there was an intrusive element to photographing someone engaged in the private, meditative moments of making art, and his ally became the close friendships with artists he developed throughout the decades, along with his subtle manner: “Taking photographs,” says Serra, “is Sidney’s way of watching over not watching us.” Although sculpture is the most public aspect of Serra’s practice, drawing and printmaking play crucial roles, both as independent pieces and in working towards sculpture. Richard Serra at Gemini presents a selection from nearly 3,000 photos by Felsen, revealing ways in which Serra has remade the conventions of printmaking, and celebrating 50 years of ongoing friendship and collaboration.