National Gallery of Art launches second edition of the Gemini G.E.L. Online Catalogue Raisonné

WASHINGTON, D.C.- A newly expanded version of the Gemini G.E.L. (Graphic Editions Limited) Online Catalogue Raisonné introduces 333 works produced by the acclaimed Los Angeles print and sculpture workshop between early 1997 and late 2005. The online catalogue now represents 2,069 editions, recording Gemini’s creative activity from its 1966 inception through 2005. Since 1981, the National Gallery of Art has been home to the Gemini G.E.L. Archive, which represents an example of virtually every print and edition sculpture produced by this important workshop. The Gallery’s holdings of Gemini works are a cornerstone of its contemporary graphic art collection.

The Gemini G.E.L. Online Catalogue Raisonné was originally launched on the National Gallery’s server in 2001, in order to present an ongoing record of Gemini’s collaborations with important contemporary artists. Gemini continues to produce limited-edition fine art prints and sculpture, and future updates to the online catalogue will document further projects.

“The online catalogue celebrates not only the vibrant and diverse creativity of the workshop, but is also emblematic of the generous gifts Gemini has made to the Gallery,” said Earl A. Powell III, director, National Gallery of Art.

Since its founding, Gemini has been known for its eagerness to explore new technology and complex printmaking processes in order to create ambitious and innovative prints. This adventurous spirit has attracted many of the greatest artists of our time to produce editions of prints and sculpture there. Among the 65 artists who have worked with Gemini are John Baldessari, Vija Celmins, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Elizabeth Murray, Robert Rauschenberg, and Susan Rothenberg.

Projects added in the recently expanded catalogue reflect nine productive Gemini years, featuring editions by 14 contemporary artists who have extended their Gemini legacy. Ellsworth Kelly, Bruce Nauman, and Richard Serra are among those who were particularly active during this period, producing many new and exciting editions. And 11 artists joined the roster between 1997 and 2005: Kevin Appel, Ross Bleckner, Cecily Brown, Chris Burden, Frank Gehry, Allen Ginsberg, Robert Gober, Ann Hamilton, Toba Khedoori, Brice Marden, and Darryl Pottorf.

The updated online catalogue features revised and expanded essays. Newly added works reflect the open-minded spirit of the atelier, representing a broad range of contemporary styles and movements—abstraction, conceptualism, expressionism, new figuration, surrealism, realism, and minimalism have all found a home at the workshop. After more than four decades, Gemini G.E.L.’s name continues to be synonymous with the creation of contemporary art multiples of the highest quality. The Gallery’s online catalogue celebrating the workshop’s achievement may be found at http://www.nga.gov/gemini.