Gemini G.E.L. at Joni Moisant Weyl is pleased to present the complete Original Print Collection of the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies (FAPE), on view October 6 through November 30, 2017. FAPE is a public- private partnership dedicated to providing permanent works of American art for United States embassies worldwide, and has raised more than $150 million in art and monetary contributions in support of the U.S.Department of State’s mission of cultural diplomacy. FAPE’s Collections include works by more than 200 preeminent artists and span more than 140 countries. All artworks commissioned or placed by the foundation are by American artists and are gifts, representing generosity of some of the nation’s greatest artists and donors.
The Lee Kimche McGrath Original Print Collection, named in honor of FAPE’s Founding Director, invites an American artist of international reputation to donate an edition annually. The Collection began in 1989 when Frank Stella contributed The Symphony in an edition large enough for an impression to be sent to every U.S. embassy. To date, 27 artists have contributed editions in collaboration with several of the most highly regarded print publishers. This exhibition is a unique opportunity to see the works outside American Embassies, and to witness how these prints contribute to cross-cultural understanding within the diplomatic community and the international public.
Several works, including Ed Ruscha’s Column with Speed Lines, James Rosenquist’s The Stars and Stripes at the Speed of Light, and Joel Shapiro’s Toss-up, evoke patriotic themes, and all of the works, however varied, represent the diversity and artistic freedom central to our nation’s values. Viewing the Collection in one room allows us to contemplate the many ways that artists, including John Baldessari, Vija Celmins, Jasper Johns, Alex Katz, Ellsworth Kelly, Roy Lichtenstein, Julie Mehretu, Robert Rauschenberg and Terry Winters, amongst others, choose to participate in diplomacy.
Printmaking has always been a democratic medium by the very nature of multiples, which makes FAPE’s choice toinvolve American print publishers all the more meaningful. Gemini G.E.L. has donated 10 editions to FAPE. Paulson Press provided the plate-making and proofing of the Gee’s Bend prints, Tyler Graphics Limited donated the printingof Frank Stella’s work, and Simmelink Sukimoto donated the printing of Vija Celmins’ edition. Other publishers who have printed editions include Brand X, Burnet Editions, Crown Point Press, Derriere L’Etoile Studios, Jennifer MelbyEditions, Pace Prints, and ULAE. It is fitting that this presentation coincides with the Fine Art Print Fair which has recently re-located to the nearby Javits Center. Now in its twenty-sixth year, the fair presents 81 leading art dealers, from old master and modern dealers to publishers of contemporary editions. Museum curators and collectors from around the world attend the fair, held from October 25 through 29.
