Description
Book Synopsis: A privileged look into the life and artistic practice of the experimental filmmaker, music anthologist, and enigmatic polymath Harry Smith.
Best known during his lifetime as an experimental filmmaker and Folkways Records music anthologist, Harry Smith (1923–1991) was a spiritual outsider and one of the most original, influential artists of the mid-century American avant-garde. An avid, inspired collector of old blues and hillbilly recordings during his youth, he became a fan of such bebop jazz as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, and began making avant-garde film animations featuring patterns painted directly onto the negatives as visual accompaniments to jazz performances. Smith crossed paths with nearly everyone central to the cultural avant-garde; he lived for art and gnosis with little thought for practical consequences. In 1991, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards in New York.
Five years after Smith’s death, the poet Paola Igliori began conducting intimate interviews with the filmmakers, musicians, poets, and artists who knew him best. The result, American Magus Harry Smith, offers a privileged look not only into Smith’s life and artistic practice, but also into his era and the informal economy of influence that operated during that time. It provides invaluable insight into the mind of one of the twentieth century’s most enigmatic polymaths. This expanded edition includes photos of Smith and many other color images.
Details
Experience a privileged glimpse into the incredible life and artistic practice of the renowned experimental filmmaker, music anthologist, and enigmatic polymath Harry Smith. Journey through the diverse world of this influential artist of the mid-century American avant-garde and unlock the secrets of his groundbreaking work. From his early days as a devoted collector of old blues and hillbilly recordings to his avant-garde film animations featuring mesmerizing patterns, Harry Smith's journey is a testament to his extraordinary creativity and unique vision.
Immerse yourself in the cultural avant-garde as you delve into the pages of American Magus Harry Smith. Discover the captivating encounters and inspiring collaborations that shaped Smith's life and artistic endeavors. Through intimate interviews with filmmakers, musicians, poets, and artists who knew him best, poet Paola Igliori unveils the untold stories and hidden connections that make this book a true treasure. Let the informal economy of influence during that time captivate your imagination as you dive into the mind of one of the twentieth century's most enigmatic polymaths.
Don't miss out on this expanded edition of American Magus Harry Smith, featuring never-before-seen photos of Smith and other captivating color images. With this invaluable insight, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the creative genius behind Smith's experimental films and music anthologies. Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the world of avant-garde, this book is an absolute must-have.
Experience the life, art, and gnosis of Harry Smith today by clicking here.
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