They’re more of the subtle things that belong to a novel rather than to art history.

Leo Castelli to Paul Cummings

In December 1970, art dealer Leo Castelli slyly redirected an interview with Paul Cummings for the Archives of American Art.  They were discussing Castelli’s work as a successful dealer and gallery owner.

Leo Castelli (1907-1999)  established the Leo Castelli Gallery in 1957 in New York City, recognizing that important cultural changes were occurring in America and that a new form of art would derive from Abstract Expressionism which was in its heyday. The first two artists he signed up were Jasper Johns and Robert Rauschenberg, both transitional figures in the move from Abstract Expressionism to Pop Art. Castelli became known as one of the greatest salesmen in the art market and an avid supporter of contemporary art movement. This digital project features transcripts and audio excerpts of interviews with Castelli and his contemporaries.

Source: Day 1: Proposed Project