PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The first comprehensive book on the surreal, queer and humorous photographic art of Jimmy DeSana, a central figure in New York’s art and music scenes of the 1970s and ’80s.This is the first overview of the work of Jimmy DeSana, a pioneering yet underrecognized figure in New York’s downtown art, music, and film scenes during the 1970s and 1980s. The book situates DeSana’s work and life within the countercultural and queer contexts in the American South as well as New York, through his involvement in mail art, punk and No Wave music and film, and artist collectives and publications.

The cover uses a self portrait of DeSana as the Apollo or radiant beauty, the paper is a metallic to give the image a high shine and gleam like that of radiance and health. The back cover a self portrait of DeSana as a shadow, say Hades or a fallen angel. Both were taken as he was dying of HIV/AIDS complications.

BOOK INFORMATION

Trim Size: 9 x 11.75

Number of Pages: 196 pages

Binding Method:

Paper:

Typefaces: Folio BT

CREDIT INFORMATION

Creative Director: Brian Johnson and Silas Munro

Art Director:

Book Designer: Brian Johnson, Michelle Lamb, and Silas Munro

Jacket/Cover Designer: Brian Johnson and Silas Munro

Illustrator:

Photographer: Ian Byers-Gamber

Picture Editor:

Production Director: Audrey Walen - Brooklyn Museum

Production Coordinator:

Production Artist:

Other Credits: Audrey Davies - Polymode Studio Manager

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