Ashbery by Kitaj

 

the current exhibition at Morgan Library is "Friends Who Came to See Me." it's drawings of John Ashbery which David Kermani donated.

of particular fascination to me is one by R. B. Kitaj. I feel like the midwife on that one.

in an old journal there's this from july 1971:

"3:15 p.m. John Ashbery just called to say he got my note & it's fine to give Kitaj his phone number. He likes Kitaj's work & is pleased he reciprocates.

3:30 p.m. a call from Kitaj: glad to hear John likes his work but will be so rushed leaving for London he doubts he'll have time to meet & sketch him..."

I didn't actually introduce them until feb 1974 at Kitaj's opening in NYC. this drawing was done in 1979.