“I guess you had to be there”—but not this time. Color x Color: The Sperry Poster Archive is part rock show, part art catalog, part historical documentary, part musical venue and all Pantone pandemonium, as it takes you to That Place. While attending a favorite museum or live concert is currently off limits, the 750-plus page opus (published by Hangar 18), which includes over 800 color reproductions, every poster ever made by Chuck Sperry, brings it all home—yours—and is ready for delivery.
In addition to serving as a sensory sensation, the book offers rich text, starting with an opening act by Carlo McCormick, who profiles the artist as a “soulful trickster of impeccable integrity.” The artist himself spices each chapter with personal insight into print and music-making, starting with his work at Bill Graham’s Fillmore Auditorium. Throughout the years, his work on behalf of groups like Shriners Hospital for Children, Planned Parenthood and the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota guides his work with heartfelt vibrancy. As promised By Dave Schools of Widespread Panic, “in the upcoming pages you will see all manner of visual accompaniment … we are honored to have the work of Chuck Serry representing our sound in your eyes.” Guess you DO get to be there. —Gwynned Vitello
The impetus to create this exhaustively complete book originates with the creation of an extensive special permanent collection of Sperry’s art to enter the archives of the Fort Wayne Museum of Art.
