Sybil Shearer Collection of Ray Johnson
1951-1956 (bulk 1955-1956)
Sybil Shearer (1912-2005) Ray Johnson (1927-1995)
In 1956, Sybil Shearer (1912-2005) received from Ray Johnson (1927-1995) 32 of his “moticos” through the mail. These early collages and collage fragments remained in Shearer’s collection throughout her life. Originally created to be used in performances, the collages sent to Shearer represent some of the earliest cut paper compositions of Johnson’s career. This collection includes 47 total objects including the moticos, 8 broadsides, 5 envelopes and 2 letters.
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See also: William S. Wilson Collection of Ray Johnson
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Contact the Ryerson and Burnham Art and Architecture Archives:
archives@artic.edu
Collages, broadsides, letters and envelopes.