George Gershwin and Modern Art: A Rhapsody in Blue

Offers the first examination of George Gershwin’s engagement with modern art through his own artwork, his collection and the art inspired by his music. George Gershwin is widely known and beloved for his innovative work as a composer, songwriter and pianist, but his passion and talents extended to the visual arts as well. Before his untimely death at age 38, Gershwin produced numerous paintings, drawings and photographs. His personal collection of modern art was one of the most significant of his day, including pieces by Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Vassily Kandinsky, Marc Chagall, Isamu Noguchi, David Alfaro Siqueiros and others. Gershwin’s music also inspired artwork by Miguel Covarrubias, Arthur Dove, Kara Walker, Andy Warhol and many others. Featuring these three elements of Gershwin’s artistic influence, as well as select ephemera and correspondence from his artistic circle, this beautifully designed volume offers a tour through Gershwin's multifaceted visual dimension, expanding our understanding of the composer, his music and his impact on American cultural history.

Dr. Olivia Mattis, guest curator, is an award-winning scholar and lecturer who received her PhD in musicology from Stanford University. She is also the president of the Sousa Mendes Foundation, a Holocaust remembrance organization honoring the hero who rescued her family from Nazi-occupied Europe.