Jack Damer

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Jack Damer

"Four Stroke Man I," 1965. Lithograph, 27.5 inches by 22 inches.

The UW-Madison's stellar printmaking program is what it is in part because of Jack Damer. This retrospective show, Prints, Drawings & Objects, 1965–2021, is doubly significant in that it marks the reopening of the Watrous Gallery after its COVID-19 closure. Damer is a master lithographer but this show also highlights his drawings and other collage and 3-D work. Damer will give an informal talk between 6:30 and 7 p.m. The exhibit continues through Oct. 31, and current gallery hours are noon-6 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday.

press release: Jack Damer: Prints, Drawings & Objects, 1965–2021

On view September 10–October 31, James Watrous Gallery in Overture Center for the Arts 

Visit the Wisconsin Academy's James Watrous Gallery for a retrospective exhibit of the work of Jack Damer: master printmaker, brilliant draftsman, and influential teacher. Damer’s prolific output ranges from densely layered images of engines and machine parts to poignant drawings of found objects and elaborate constructions made from his own prints. The cool, industrial look of Damer’s source material is transformed through his sensitive line, subtle use of tone and color and, often, a mordant humor that borders on moral outrage.

Gallery Talk with Jack Damer: Saturday, October 9 • 2:00-3:00 pm, James Watrous Gallery •  Overture Center for the Arts, 3rd Floor. Join master printmaker and mixed-media visionary Jack Damer for a discussion of his retrospective exhibit at the James Watrous Gallery. Damer will share insights about his work, his innovative printmaking techniques, and his approach to teaching.

A leading figure in UW-Madison’s nationally recognized printmaking program for many years, Jack Damer has artwork represented in museum and private collections around the world. He taught printmaking and drawing at UW-Madison with a particular focus on lithography, and has led workshops and participated in artist residencies around the country and internationally. While Damer is primarily known as a master lithographer, his work also encompasses almost every print media as well as drawing, collage, and constructions made from his own prints and found objects. His awards include a National Endowment for the Arts grant and a MacDowell Fellowship, and he was the lithography director for the American Pavilion at the 1970 Venice Biennale. Damer makes his home in Madison.

Fall hours: Thursday-Saturday 12-6, Sunday 12-5. Also open by appointment or chance. To make an appointment for private viewing, contact James Watrous Gallery director, Jody Clowes: jclowes@wisconsinacademy.org. 

In keeping with Overture Center’s health and safety protocols, we encourage all visitors to wear masks. Disposable masks will be available at the gallery desk.