Circa 1966: American Prints from the Collection

In 1966, Rutgers established the University Art Gallery as part of an effort to integrate and promote the arts on campus. First occupying a two-room space in the renovated Voorhees Library, the gallery became the Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum after a major expansion in 1983. Since then, the Zimmerli has grown in size and scope to become one of the most prominent university art museums in the United States. Two complementary exhibitions titled Circa 1966 commemorate the Zimmerli’s golden anniversary.

This selection dates from 1960 to 1974, a period of renewed interest in printmaking in the United States. Numerous print studios opened throughout the country, including Universal Limited Art Editions (New York), Tamarind Lithography Workshop, and Gemini G.E.L. (Los Angeles). These workshops were staffed by master printers and hosted major artists, many of whom had never made prints. Together, they experimented with traditional and innovative techniques and explored a variety of styles—from bold, gestural imagery of abstract expressionism to eye-catching patterns and figures of pop art.

The 1960s changed the course of American life, and these prints recapture that dynamic and volatile period. Many of the artists were deeply influenced by the social and political upheavals, as well as scientific advancements, and often adopted imagery from the media: the war in Vietnam, contentious political campaigns, demonstrations for civil and equal rights, and the moon landings. Whether referencing these events or reflecting the period’s art movements, the works demonstrate a variety of approaches to printmaking and showcase the breadth and depth of the Zimmerli’s collection.

Organized by Christina Weyl (PhD, Rutgers University, 2015), with assistance from Nicole Simpson, Assistant Curator of Drawings and Prints