Billy Morrow Jackson

Jackson, Bill
Jackson, B. M.

American, 1926 - 2006

Explore selected works

This painting shows a side view of a two-story house with a wrap-around porch. The house occupies most of the frame, with a faint, blurred horizon at the bottom left. The siding of the house is in shades of white and gray, and the roof is a slightly darker blue-gray color. Many windows are visible, partially or entirely covered by window shades in pale yellow, light green, and light blue. Near the center of the image, a large American flag is hung on the side of the building under the porch. It ripples slightly in the wind. On the left, by the red door of the house, an indistinct person sits on a bench or swing on the porch, wearing a teal jacket. The sky is white, and the ground beneath the house is a pale yellowish-green color.
Billy Morrow Jackson, Eve, 1967, oil on hardboard, Gift of the Artist, 1970.15.1

Eve

Billy Morrow Jackson · 1967 · oil on hardboard ·  Accession ID  1970.15.1

The image contains intricate swirling lines, geometric shapes, and numbers arranged in a dynamic composition. The curves and spirals intertwine, with circular forms resembling orbs or planets. Repeated dots and ovals mimic DNA strands or beads on a string, while numbers add a mathematical element. The artwork draws connections to cosmic and scientific imagery through its abstract forms.
Billy Morrow Jackson, Prepared Jukebox, c. 1954-1955, woodcut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2656

Prepared Jukebox

Billy Morrow Jackson · c. 1954-1955 · woodcut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2656

The image shows an assortment of angular and linear shapes forming an abstract composition. There are overlapping and intersecting lines creating a pattern of stylized hands holding stick-like objects with radiating lines and dots suggesting sparks. The composition evokes mechanized hands in motion or gesturing, resembling gears or robotic appendages. The angular shapes and linear arrangement convey a sense of energetic movement.
Billy Morrow Jackson, Hands, c. 1954, screenprint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2660

Hands

Billy Morrow Jackson · c. 1954 · screenprint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2660

The image displays swirling lines and spirals forming an intricate pattern. The artwork is abstract and features shapes resembling human forms and musical instruments, including a figure with a face and long strands of hair, and hands playing what appears to be a harp. There are enigmatic shapes suggesting a hand extending into spirals and a lower section resembling a trumpet with a horn shape. The elements evoke music performance in an abstract manner, blending recognizable features like hands and faces with imaginative, fluid lines.
Billy Morrow Jackson, Rendition, c. 1954, engraving and embossing, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2655

Rendition

Billy Morrow Jackson · c. 1954 · engraving and embossing ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2655

The image features interlocking geometric shapes, lines, and forms creating an abstract composition. A figure suggests a musician with arms extended playing a keyboard instrument. Additionally, abstract shapes resemble a drummer with sticks poised over a cylindrical form resembling a drum. Curved and angular lines add depth and dynamism, while shading and textural details evoke familiar objects like a microphone stand at the center of the composition.
Billy Morrow Jackson, After Hours, 1954, etching and aquatint in black on wove paper, Gift of Bob Stana and Tom Judy, 2017.148.26

After Hours

Billy Morrow Jackson · 1954 · etching and aquatint in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2017.148.26

The image includes intersecting lines and geometric shapes, creating an abstract composition. The shapes are varied, with circles, ovals, and linear forms present. A microphone-like object is positioned at the center. Textured and dotted areas may suggest heads of individuals or patterns on musical attire. Long lines could be perceived as instrument stands or parts of a drum kit. The overall design encourages viewers to associate the image with a musical performance or a band ensemble.
Billy Morrow Jackson, Duet, c. 1953, screenprint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2658

Duet

Billy Morrow Jackson · c. 1953 · screenprint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2658

The image displays swirling and intersecting lines creating an intricate pattern of abstract shapes. Curves, arcs, and angular forms can be seen within the composition. The overlapping elements and layered textures convey a sense of movement and sound.
Billy Morrow Jackson, Horn Man, c. 1953, woodcut, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2657

Horn Man

Billy Morrow Jackson · c. 1953 · woodcut ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2657

The image displays intersecting and overlapping lines creating an abstract form. The lines suggest a silhouette resembling a human figure with an embellished torso. Within the abstraction, details reminiscent of musical instruments are visible. The composition appears dynamic, conveying a sense of motion or musical essence.
Billy Morrow Jackson, Horn Man, c. 1953, screenprint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2661

Horn Man

Billy Morrow Jackson · c. 1953 · screenprint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2661

The image contains abstract shapes and lines, composed of curved and intersecting lines with dotted embellishments. These forms resemble a drum set, including elements similar to cymbals, a bass drum, and drumsticks. The arrangement of circles, rectangles, and straight lines suggests a musical ensemble, depicting musical instruments in an abstract way.
Billy Morrow Jackson, Traps & Snares, c. 1953, screenprint, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2659

Traps & Snares

Billy Morrow Jackson · c. 1953 · screenprint ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2659