Poetry was an important influence on Kriesberg’s art, frequently referenced in both titles of works and in the lyrical nature of his metaphorical imagery. Between 1964 and 1965, Kriesberg collaborated on a series of ‘poem board’ paintings with his first wife, the poet Ruth Miller, and another poet named Ruth Stephan. Below is a virtual presentation of these collaborative poem/painting hybrids.
Image checklist:
1) Irving Kriesberg and Ruth Miller, Bent on winning…, 1964, acrylic and pastel on paper, 28 3/4 x 23 in. (73 x 58.4 cm)
2) Irving Kriesberg and Ruth Miller, Poet Sing me proxy…, 1964, acrylic and ink on paper, 28 5/8 x 22 1/2 in. (72.7 x 57.2 cm)
3) Irving Kriesberg and Ruth Miller, Do You Light the Lamps…, c. 1965, acrylic and ink on paper, 18 3/4 x 13 1/2 in. (47.6 x 34.3 cm)
4) Irving Kriesberg and Ruth Miller, I Have Known the Secret Silences, c. 1965, gouache with ink and collage on paper, 18 x 14 3/4 in. (45.7 x 37.5 cm)
5) Irving Kriesberg and Ruth Miller, In the Hiding Place…, c.1965, gouache and ink on paper, 16 7/8 x 13 1/4 in. (42.9 x 33.7 cm)
6) Irving Kriesberg and Ruth Stephan, The Winter Dried Leaf…, 1965, acrylic and ink on paper, 20 1/4 x 17 in. (51.4 x 43.2 cm)
