March 30, 2008
I love when beautiful things have special meaning. It is with this in mind that I write to you about the art of Joe and Gerry Simboli. The Simbolis are parents of one of Ben and my best friends, Leslie, who happens to share the same birthday as me. When Ben and I were in Philly several years ago we visited the Simbolis and they showed us some of their work in their art studio. They're graphic artists and in the late 60s they designed a series of 12 posters depicting the Zodiac. Leslie had given us one of these posters printed in 1969. I loved it dearly and always wanted more.
The Simboli's Zodiacs also caught the eye of British fashion designer Paul Smith, who several seasons ago, licensed 11 of the 12 original images. PS did not love the Gemini and Joe and Gerry redesigned this sign to the fashion house's liking. The result of the collaboration yielded shirts, pants, cufflinks, etc. featuring the Simboli's signs.
Then by chance Leslie gave us two posters printed in 1970. These posters, though graphic and stylistically akin to the Zodiac, carried a much deeper meaning: anti-war. Everyone who comes into our house remarks about the posters which got me wondering how many existed and what were the story behind them. My sleuthing unveiled the discovery that the Simbolis, now in their 70s and 80s, had saved many of these posters and together we've agreed to bring them to a much broader audience.
16 of the Simboli's designs will be available through me/my website. The first four will be the "War" series. The four were designed at the same time in response to the Vietnam war. Their simple, modern messages still ring true to this day. Two of these posters are vintage and were printed in 1970. The other two will be laser printed to order and signed by the artists. Below are the images, pricing, and count of each. In several days I will post/email information on the zodiac posters.
If you'd like to buy one or ask any questions just email me at bradford@bradfordshellhammer.com. I am not making any money from these sales. I am doing this as a way to bring art that has made me and Ben very happy to many more and to allow my friends, colleagues, and clients a chance to own a little piece of history. Words cannot describe how incredible they are. Please share with your friends. Thanks.
Links:
Flickr Gallery
Artist Statement
Joe and Gerry Bio
War (Pull) $150
24 1/4" x 20 3/4" black white and orange
copies 75
Printed/Designed 1970
Signed
Pray for Rain $150
24 1/4" x 20 3/4" magenta black and white
Copies 45
Printed/Designed 1970
Signed
Dove Hanging from Flags $75
23 3/4 x 17 3/4" black and multi-colored
Printed 2008/Designed 1970
Signed
War/Earth on Edge $75
black/gray/white on magenta 23 3/4 x 17 3/4"
Printed 2008/Designed 1970
Signed
