Derek Boshier: Rethink/Re-Entry – assembling the materials for long overdue monograph
//Exhibition cards and private view invitations, 1973 to date//
I’m assembling materials for Rethink/Re-Entry, the long-overdue monograph of the great British artist Derek Boshier I am currently editing.
The book takes its title from the early Boshier painting which inspired rock’s ultimate art-directed star Bryan Ferry to choose the name Remake/Remodel for the first track on Roxy Music’s game-changing debut LP.
//Rethink/Re-entry, oil on canvas, 1962//
//Fold-out poster/programme designed by Richard Hollis for Whitechapel Gallery retrospective, 1973//
//Selection of exhibition catalogues//
//Front and back cover of CLASH 2nd Songbook, 1978//
The book title reflects Boshier’s unpindownability, characterised by his tireless and decades-long investigations into different forms of visual expression, from emergence as a founder painter of the British Pop movement of the early 60s through installations, photography, film works, printmaking, graphics, teaching, interventions, curation and political and social engagement.
//Double page spreads from CLASH 2nd Songbook//
//Barney Bubbles designed catalogue for Lives group show, 1979//
//Double page spreads from Lives catalogue: top – punk photography by Steve Johnston; above – David Hockney with portrait of his parents//
This has extended to working with pop musicians and performers; Boshier, who taught The Clash frontman Joe Strummer at London art school Central Saint Martin’s, came up with the audacious design for the band’s lyric book CLASH 2nd Songbook. He also worked with David Bowie, producing stage sets and contributing to the sleeves for the LPs Lodger and Let’s Dance, and Barney Bubbles, who designed the catalogue for the Boshier-curated 1979 Hayward Gallery group show Lives.
//Hand-rendered materials including Boshier’s trademark decorated postage envelopes//
//CD artwork for An Englishman In LA (Mr Boshier) by Robert Fraser’s Groovy Arts Club Band, 2011//
With contributions from a group of eminent art authorities including curator/critic Guy Brett, Derek Boshier: Rethink/Re-Entry will be published by Thames & Hudson in spring 2015.
Visit Boshier’s site here.