tion of the relationship between Adams and Lichtenstein .
The two artists have created epic masterworks together , all of which encapsulate key points in Adams ’ career . One silkscreen print channels the spirit of his early days as a graffiti artist whose contemporaries included Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat . Several prints pay tribute to the years that Adams spent as the founding creative director of Def Jam ’ s in-house visual design firm , The Drawing Board . He designed album covers for Hip-Hop legends such as LL Cool J , Public Enemy , Redman , Method Man , and Notorious B . I . G . The series of prints on exhibit at the GLE gallery space concludes with vibrant reinterpretations of Adams Trusted Brands mixed media art series , which incorporates elements of vintage corporate advertisements , logos , and promotional materials . As Adams ’ career progressed , he began collaborating with high-profile institutions such as The Smithsonian Museum and multinational companies such as Mattel , Coca-Cola , and Pabst Blue Ribbon . He has since used the Trusted Brands series as a form of artistic cultural commentary , reflecting on the evolution of commercial art throughout the past century in relation to his own creative path .
As visitors take in the expanse of the exhibition , they also will have an opportunity to gain insight into the profound artistic impact of Lichtenstein . His creative journey began in the 1970s , when he honed his craft as an artist working with key industry figures such as Rock & Roll poster artist Bob Fried . Lichtenstein left an indelible mark on San Francisco ' s artistic landscape , spearheading a series of collaborative ventures . From the founding of SOMA Fine Art to his pioneering exploration of screen printing as an artistic medium , Lichtenstein was propelled to the forefront of the Bay Area ' s burgeoning art scene .
In 1999 , Lichtenstein embarked on a new chapter , relocating to Ridgefield , Connecticut , where he established GLE . In 2013 , Lichtenstein ' s GLE studio found a new home at MANA Contemporary in
Jersey City , New Jersey . This provided a platform for him to continue his exploration of screen printing on a grander scale . Over the course of his career , Lichtenstein has collaborated with artists including Marina Abramovic , Roz Chast , Alfred Leslie , and Ken Price . His silkscreen prints have been exhibited and collected by institutions such as The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum , New York City ’ s Museum of Modern Art , and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art . In the spring of 2023 , The Butler Institute of American
Art presented Gary Lichtenstein : Painter and Master Printer , showcasing the infinite possibilities inspired by the medium of silkscreen printing .
Several years after Lichtenstein moved to Jersey City , Adams discovered Lichtenstein ’ s work and was immediately taken with it . “ Silkscreen printing had always held a special place in my heart ,” says Adams , who was influenced by artists such Jasper Johns , Robert Rauschenberg , and Robert Indiana , the latter of whom collaborated with Lichtenstein .
Top , LOVE ( Wildflower ), a vibrant silkscreen print of a Cey Adams mixed media mural made in collaboration with Gary Lichtenstein . Bottom , Lichtenstein and Adams working on a print from the American Flag series together in Lichtenstein ’ s studio .
May / June 2024 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 71