STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Norman Rockwell Museum (NRM) has been collecting American illustration art for almost two decades, adding to Rockwell's own collection of artworks by prominent illustrators. 

 

In 2017, more than 500 original illustrations and studies were donated to the Museum's Permanent Collection of Illustration Art by noted American illustrator Bascove. Celebrating this acquisition, a special collection highlight exhibition will be on view from March 12 through June 5, 2022 entitled "Bascove: The Time We Spend with Words."

 

Known by the mononym, Bascove, Anne Bascove, is a master printmaker, illustrator, painter, and collagist best known for her  woodcut book jacket and magazine illustrations as well as for her series of paintings and drawings of the bridges of New York City. Inspired by the written word throughout her life, she has been a preeminent designer of book covers that have engaged readers with the writings of many noted authors, including Alice Walker, Robertson Davies, Jerome Charyn, T.C. Boyle, and J.M. Coetzee. Her illustrations have graced the pages of many publications, including The New York Times, Redbook, Travel & Leisure, Life, and others. 

 

This exhibition will feature Bascove's art for some of the most significant literary works of our time, including examples of her creative process - from sketch to wood block carving and final illustration. A video interview with the artist and an audio tour will be featured. 

 

Organized by NRM's Curator of Exhibitions Jesse Kowalski with assistance from Registrar Barbara Rundback, the exhibition also includes commentary by illustration and design author/historian Steven Heller, who has worked closely with the artist during his long tenure as art director at The New York Times.

 

An opening Zoom program with Bascove in conversation with Steve Heller is scheduled on Saturday, March 12 at 5pm. Visit the Museum's website at nrm.org to register and for further information. 

 

"The marriage of text and imagery has been central to some of the most vibrant illustrations of our time, from the work of great 20th century poster artists to persuasive communications that meld modern graphic design and illustration as a means of clarifying and emphasizing ideas and concepts. Throughout her career, Bascove has treated words and images as two parts of a visual and conceptual whole, moving far beyond ornament. Her powerful artworks have inspired and influenced generations of artists and we are honored to help steward this important female creator's legacy," said Chief Curator/Deputy Director Stephanie Haboush Plunkett.

 

Bascove notes "For a large body of my work to be in the Museum's permanent illustration collection is humbling. It was Rockwell's paintings for Look Magazine that struck home, especially The Problem We All Live With, the first purchase made by the Museum. The idea of what the country should and could be was forming in the minds of the young in the '60s – my generation – and that images could communicate complex ideas about societies in a strong clear voice. I cannot think of a more perfect place nor kindred spirits to house and exhibit the art for these inspiring, daring writers from all over the world."