er to find the best way forward ,” explains Lichtenstein . This collaborative synthesis is evidenced through silkscreen prints that will be shown at the GLE exhibition , such as Keith Haring , RUN DMC , DEF JAM RECORDINGS ( Black Border ), and CARWASH 1982 .
Photographer Janette Beckman , a longtime collaborator of Lichtenstein , worked with him and Adams on the bold and striking Keith Haring silkscreen print . The other three prints came about as collaborations between Adams , Beckman , Lichtenstein , and photojournalist Martha Cooper , who documented the evolution of the New York graffiti scene in the late-1970s and early-1980s . Their collaboration was directly inspired by the years Adams spent working with Run-DMC and Kurtis Blow in the 1980s , as well as the album covers that he designed at Def Jam . " At the time I made many of those covers , I was young and inexperienced ,” says Adams , “ but I always had a deep love for the music and a strong grasp of my artistic craft ."
Several of the prints in the GLE exhibition reinterpret the mixed-media collages that Adams made as part of his Trusted Brands series . Highlights include PAN-AM , PARAMOUNT ( Yellow Mountain ), and KOOL-AID ( White Background ), the latter two of which incorporate elements of hand painting and collaging .
According to Lichtenstein , his move from Jersey City to North Adams in 2023 represented more than just a change of location ; it signified a new chapter in his creative growth . While catching up with MASS MoCA Director Kristy Edmunds on a tour of the museum , Lichtenstein jokingly mentioned to her that if she found him space on the campus , he would consider moving there . He was ready for a change . To his surprise , Edmunds followed up on the offer , presenting a space that had everything he needed . “ It represented an extraordinary opportunity ,” Lichtenstein says .
The space provides an inspiring environment for his studio , which operates autonomously from MASS MoCA . " It ' s such an energizing place to work , and I ’ m surrounded by highly creative individuals ," Lichtenstein says . " The adjustment to the Berkshires has been a rewarding one . I ' m loving what I do even more , and there ' s something special about being in this environment that fuels creativity .” n
JUNE 2024 Designer Showcase
15 designers transform a Gilded Age estate
Cassilis Farm , New Marlborough , MA
Tickets at constructberkshires . org
Proceeds will directly support building affordable housing in the south Berkshire community .
May / June 2024 BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE // 73