James Castle

American, 1899 - 1977

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The image displays an abstract composition with rectangular and circular shapes forming a grid pattern. At the top, there are parallel lines and a rectangular outline resembling a postmark with text and numbers. In the center, there is an arrangement of squares resembling windows or a grid on graph paper. To the right, there is an outlined shape that could resemble a stylized person or symbol. The image has connections to postal stamps or envelopes, objects associated with mail and communication.
James Castle, Untitled (Pictographic Postcard), on or after 1957, color wash on postmarked paper, Gift of James Castle Collection and Archive, and Acquisition with Avalon Fund, 2013.33.47

Untitled (Pictographic Postcard)

James Castle · on or after 1957 · color wash on postmarked paper ·  Accession ID  2013.33.47

The image shows a scene observed from an elevated point of view. The horizon is in the upper third of the image, dividing the sky from textured shapes below. The style includes thick brushstrokes with a smudged, pencil-like quality. The color palette is muted, dominated by shades of grey and black. Text and postal stamps are included in the composition.
James Castle, Untitled (Totem Landscape), on or after 1949, soot on torn envelope, Gift of James Castle Collection and Archive, and Acquisition with Eugene L. and Marie-Louise Garbáty Fund, 2013.33.13

Untitled (Totem Landscape)

James Castle · on or after 1949 · soot on torn envelope ·  Accession ID  2013.33.13

This is a vintage book cover with the words "BIG VALUE" and "WHOPPER" in blue text. The background is deep blue with a distressed texture and the text is outlined in a lighter shade. A chain graphic runs horizontally through the design, linking two round elements. The lower part of the cover has a decorative border with repetitive geometric patterns.
James Castle, Untitled (Whopper Big Value Book), on or after 1945, bound volume of found paper and string, with soot and color wash, Gift of James Castle Collection and Archive, and Acquisition with Pepita Milmore Memorial Fund, 2013.33.16.1-27

Untitled (Whopper Big Value Book)

James Castle · on or after 1945 · bound volume of found paper and string, with soot and color wash ·  Accession ID  2013.33.16.1-27

The image shows rectangular shapes with jagged edges containing fragments of letters on a textured surface. These elements create a grid-like pattern. The composition appears as a scattered assembly of typewriter keys or cutout letters. The uneven alignment suggests a cryptic code or poem. The typographic elements resemble vintage type found in old newspapers or typewritten text. At the bottom, the words "Purse : Discusses" are displayed in a similar cutout style, reminiscent of ransom notes or collage art techniques.
James Castle, Untitled (Purse ! Discusses), 1937 or later, collage on verso side of a sales receipt, Gift of the Collectors Committee, 2011.6.1

Untitled (Purse ! Discusses)

James Castle · 1937 or later · collage on verso side of a sales receipt ·  Accession ID  2011.6.1

The image shows a series of abstract uppercase letter shapes and symbols arranged horizontally. The text includes a mix of characters resembling Latin and Greek letters, along with mysterious symbols that could suggest a code or ancient script. The background features faint patterns resembling blurred text on an old newspaper or manuscript.
James Castle, Untitled (EERA...), on or after 1935, soot and spit on back of calendar page, Gift of James Castle Collection and Archive, and Acquisition with Edward E. MacCrone Fund, 2013.33.2

Untitled (EERA...)

James Castle · on or after 1935 · soot and spit on back of calendar page ·  Accession ID  2013.33.2

This is a photograph of a vintage graham cracker packaging. The packaging features a green background with yellow and white text detailing the product information for "GRAHAM CRACKERS" made by "Uneeda Bakers," which includes phrases like "Sugar Honey Maid" and "Baked with Sugar and Pure Honey." Decorative elements include an ornate border and a wreath-like emblem enclosing the phrase "A 'Uneeda Bakers' Product". The condition of the package shows signs of wear, with visible creases and frayed edges. The information layout is vertically aligned, with additional text on the sides describing the product's quality and baking process.
James Castle, Untitled (Graham Crackers / Picture Album Book), on or after 1932, bound volume of found paper and string with soot, Gift of James Castle Collection and Archive, and Acquisition with Avalon Fund, 2013.33.46.1-21

Untitled (Graham Crackers / Picture Album Book)

James Castle · on or after 1932 · bound volume of found paper and string with soot ·  Accession ID  2013.33.46.1-21

The image features dark blue, irregularly shaped lines forming abstract letter combinations on a tan background, resembling typewriter text. The combinations like "ib ie is ia" appear scrambled or fragmented, reminiscent of old, worn-out typeface from vintage documents. The layout suggests a random pattern, similar to scattered puzzle pieces or overlapping text on a blurred manuscript.
James Castle, Untitled (P ! D) (verso), probably 1930s, blue ink on light brown wove paper, Gift of James Castle Collection and Archive, 2011.63.1.b

Untitled (P ! D) (verso)

James Castle · probably 1930s · blue ink on light brown wove paper ·  Accession ID  2011.63.1.b

The image displays rows of bold, capitalized letters and combinations of letters on a light brown background. The letters are arranged in a seemingly random order, resembling stenciled text or typeset characters. The abstract pattern formed by the letters could be likened to a jigsaw puzzle of an alphabet or a scattered scrabble board. The overall impression is one of organized randomness, evoking a collection of letters waiting to form words.
James Castle, Untitled (P ! D) (recto), probably 1930s, blue ink on light brown wove paper, Gift of James Castle Collection and Archive, 2011.63.1.a

Untitled (P ! D) (recto)

James Castle · probably 1930s · blue ink on light brown wove paper ·  Accession ID  2011.63.1.a

The image shows a series of vertical and slightly curving lines that form elongated shapes. The shapes evoke figures standing together. The composition resembles a gathering of people, possibly dressed in long coats or robes. Darker areas suggest hair cascading down the figures' backs. The figures lack distinct facial features. The lines in the figures are arranged in a way that resembles an old group photograph, with each form tightly aligned next to the other. This creates a sense of uniformity and cohesion among the shapes.
James Castle, Untitled (Figures Seen from Behind), n.d., soot and spit on found paper, Gift of James Castle Collection and Archive, and Acquisition with Edward E. MacCrone Fund, 2013.33.1

Untitled (Figures Seen from Behind)

James Castle · n.d. · soot and spit on found paper ·  Accession ID  2013.33.1

This is a photograph of a vintage soap packaging. The packaging displays the branding "NU BORA" in large text at the top, and prominently features the product description "REFINED BORAX SOAP GRANULES" within a green diamond shape, bordered by yellow lines. Additional text on the left and right sides describes the product's applications, such as "FOR FINE FABRICS, DISHES, LAUNDRY" and promotional information about its cleaning effectiveness and properties. The colors used are mainly green, yellow, and white, and the overall condition of the package shows signs of wear and tear, with some strings and stitching visible on the left side.
James Castle, Untitled (Borax Soap / Letter Formations Book), n.d., bound volume of found paper and string with soot, Gift of James Castle Collection and Archive, and Acquisition with Avalon Fund, 2013.33.37.1-49

Untitled (Borax Soap / Letter Formations Book)

James Castle · n.d. · bound volume of found paper and string with soot ·  Accession ID  2013.33.37.1-49