Pandit Pran Nath: Raga Cycle

Poster and program by Marian Zazeela for a cycle of ragas performed by Pandit Pran Nath in spring, 1983. Nath was an Indian classical singer of Kirana gharana who influenced Don Cherry, Terry Riley, La Monte Young, and other defining figures of American jazz and minimalism. In 1970, Young and Zazeela became disciples of Pran Nath. After visiting him in India several times, Zazeela and Young arranged for his move to New York. In New York, Pran Nath taught music and performed ragas, often times with Zazeela, Young, and other minimalist and avant-garde musicians. While Zazeela is well known for her installations, sculptures, and light design, her remarkable works on papers remain less appreciated. This poster is an excellent example of Zazeela’s use of glyph, symmetry, ornamentation, and decorative arts to forge a visual accompaniment to her and Young's singular minimalism. Offset lithograph. 14 5/8 x 11 1/4 in. Lines from folding into fourths; else near fine.