Ray Johnson and William S. Wilson: Frog Pond Splash

This gemlike Ray Johnson book celebrates his friendship with writer and logophile William S. Wilson in pictures and words

A New York Times critics'' pick Best Art Books 2020

Dubbed "Ray Johnson''s Boswell," writer and logophile William S. Wilson was one of legendary artist Ray Johnson''s closest friends and biggest champions. He was also perhaps Johnson¿s most trusted poetic muse and synthesizer of referents and references. The influence was mutual: throughout their lifelong friendship, begun when both men were in their twenties, writer and artist challenged and enriched one another¿s work.

Published on the occasion of the exhibition of Ray Johnson works from Wilson''s archive at the Art Institute of Chicago, Frog Pond Splash embodies the energy, expansiveness and motion of their work and their friendship. Editor Elizabeth Zuba has selected short, perspicacious texts by Wilson (from both published and unpublished writings)