José Luis Cuevas

Mexican, 1934 - 2017

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The image shows a seated person depicted in a watercolor and ink drawing. Their entire body is visible from the knees up, with the person sitting on a simple chair. The person leans slightly forward, with their elbows resting on their knees and hands dangling between their legs. They have a round face, with an intense gaze and prominent facial features that are illustrated with distinct ink lines. The individual is wearing a dark, loose-fitting outfit, including a cap that covers most of their hair. Around them, to their right, hangs a textured drawing tacked to the wall, resembling an abstract face or a mask. To the left of the seated figure, there is a faint outline of a second figure depicted in profile. The background of the image is filled with dark, wash-like strokes of gray.
José Luis Cuevas, Self-Portrait at Midnight, 1969, pen and black ink, wash, and watercolor on Rives wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Olga Hirshhorn, 2004), 2015.19.3355

Self-Portrait at Midnight

José Luis Cuevas · 1969 · pen and black ink, wash, and watercolor on Rives wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3355
The image consists of swirling lines and curved shapes creating an abstract composition within a rectangular frame. The forms resemble a face with a large hat or fabric on its head. Bold black strokes outline the contours, while intricate textures fill the interior, creating exaggerated features. The abstract piece can be likened to a theatrical mask or a portrait sketched with relief. Handwritten text at the bottom includes a name and a date.
José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, The Marquis de Sade, 1966, lithograph in black on Richard de Bas Laga Narcisse handmade paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.454

The Marquis de Sade

José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph in black on Richard de Bas Laga Narcisse handmade paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.454
The image shows a sketch of a person's head and upper shoulders facing forward in the center. The facial features are detailed with dark lines, including expressive eyes, a prominent nose, and a slightly downturned mouth. The hair is voluminous and textured, framing the head. The person is wearing a collared garment, with possible embellishments around the neck. Handwritten text is beside the drawing, likely personal notes or a signature. The background is a neutral, textured paper.
José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Portrait like Beethoven, 1966, lithograph (stone) in black on natural Nacre paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.457

Portrait like Beethoven

José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in black on natural Nacre paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.457
This is a drawing featuring a rectangular frame with the title "DRAWINGS and LITHOGRAPHS" in a stylized font. Above, a figure is shown in a contemplative pose. Surrounding the central image are various text elements, including names and titles like "Cuevas Charenton Cuevas" and "SILVAN SIMONE GALLERY.” The script on the edges of the frame appears to be repetitive and handwritten. The drawing combines illustrative and textual elements in a dynamic composition reminiscent of an advertisement or exhibition announcement.
José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Untitled, 1966, lithograph in black on Richard de Bas Laga Narcisse handmade paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.453

Untitled

José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph in black on Richard de Bas Laga Narcisse handmade paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.453
This is a drawing of a figure emerging from behind a large sign or panel. The drawing features a heavily outlined figure popping out from behind a panel that displays the word "Chaventon." The figure appears to be holding a tool or pen, with a fabric-like garment draped over its shoulders. Below, a smaller face peers from behind the panel's bottom edge. The drawing is characterized by strong linear strokes and an expressive, somewhat surreal and cartoonish style.
José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Cuevas-Charenton, 1966, lithograph (stone) in black on natural Nacre paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.458

Cuevas-Charenton

José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in black on natural Nacre paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.458
The image depicts a surrealistic scene with multiple abstract human-like figures. Most figures are shown from the waist up or partially obscured. On the left, two individuals stand next to each other with exaggerated facial features. They have textured hairstyles, one possibly wearing a hat. In the center and right, more figures are shown reclining or sitting in a room with similar stylized features. The artwork features abstract interior elements like rough textures. In the background, there is a wall with a drawing pinned to it and handwritten text at the bottom.
José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Interior, 1966, lithograph (stone) in black on natural Nacre paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.455

Interior

José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph (stone) in black on natural Nacre paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.455
The image shows a suite of fourteen lithographs created at the Tamarind Lithography Workshop. The text mentions a limited edition and includes decorative elements like a stylized flourish and an abstract emblem with the word "EVEIL HON" below it. The paper has a handmade texture.
José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Tamarind Institute, Colophon from Charenton, 1966, one from a portfolio of 15 lithographs (including title page, table of contents, and colophon) on Nacre paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.434.15

Colophon from Charenton

José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · one from a portfolio of 15 lithographs (including title page, table of contents, and colophon) on Nacre paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.434.15
This is a drawing of a handwritten list with abstract doodles. The list contains twelve items, each with a title written in an expressive script. It includes items named "Justine and the Marquis de Sade," "Ghosts of the Asylum," and "Worm Pit," among others. Below the list is a small, abstract line drawing. The surface of the paper has a textured appearance, suggesting it may be handmade or artist's paper.
José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Tamarind Institute, Table of contents from Charenton, 1966, one from a portfolio of 15 lithographs (including title page, table of contents, and colophon) on Nacre paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.434.2

Table of contents from Charenton

José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · one from a portfolio of 15 lithographs (including title page, table of contents, and colophon) on Nacre paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.434.2
The image showcases multiple individuals depicted in various perspectives. In the upper left, a standing figure is seen from the side with a slight bend in their posture. Below, a seated figure with distinct facial features and hair is shown wearing voluminous clothing. To the right, there is a detailed portrait labeled "Miguel Angel" with the date "13-Dec-65," showcasing an expressive, contemplative face partly obscured by shadow with tousled hair. Above this portrait, another sitting figure is displayed from the back and side, set against a wall with a stylized drawing or painting. In the bottom left corner, there is a smaller framed portrait signed "Rimbaud." The image has a textured surrounding, highlighting the figures and their surroundings without detailed background context.
José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Tamarind Institute, Happenings at Charenton from Charenton, 1966, lithograph, printed in green-black, from a portfolio of 15 lithographs (including title page, table of contents, and colophon) on Nacre paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.434.10

Happenings at Charenton from Charenton

José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph, printed in green-black, from a portfolio of 15 lithographs (including title page, table of contents, and colophon) on Nacre paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.434.10
The image displays bold, sweeping lines and complex curves forming an abstract shape with a large arched form looming over smaller, intricate details. The composition blends elements that suggest a hunched human figure with a prominent head and textured, voluminous cloak or form resembling armor or a shell. Within the abstract contours, a face is discernible with eyes, a nose, and dense, helmet-like shapes framing it. The image is rendered in a contrast of dark and light shades against a warm, earthy background.
José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Tamarind Institute, Procuress with Meat from Charenton, 1966, lithograph, printed in orange and black, from a portfolio of 15 lithographs (including title page, table of contents, and colophon) on Nacre paper, Gift of Dorothy J. and Benjamin B. Smith, 1983.18.434.11

Procuress with Meat from Charenton

José Luis Cuevas, Tamarind Institute, Tamarind Institute · 1966 · lithograph, printed in orange and black, from a portfolio of 15 lithographs (including title page, table of contents, and colophon) on Nacre paper ·  Accession ID  1983.18.434.11