"See America First": The Prints of H.C. Westermann

The American sculptor, painter, draftsman, and printmaker H.C. Westermann (1922-1981) was a central figure in American art, lauded as an American original who steadfastly followed his own finely crafted and keenly ironic sensibilities. Published in conjunction with the David and Alfred Smart Museum's "See America First" exhibit, this book presents the first comprehensive, scholarly consideration of Westermann's graphic work and serves as a catalogue raisonné of his prints: 100 large-format color images and 20 black and white illustrations are accompanied by detailed entries containing key historical information on Westermann's art. Critic, curator, and art historian Dennis Adrian contributes an overview essay examining Westermann's body of work.

"See America First" will be exhibited at the David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art from June 30 to September 23, 2001.

Dennis Adrian is adjunct associate professor of art history, theory, and criticism at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Richard A. Born is curator at the David and Alfred Smart Museum of Art. Michael Rooks is assistant curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.