Barbara Nessim sketchbook reproductions and other publications

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: 2024-007

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection includes sketchbook reproductions, catalogues, pocketbooks, and other publications featuring artist Barbara Nessim.

Facsimile reproductions of 104 sketchbooks made by the artist c. 1963-2020: Each includes a forward note by the artist as well as the contents, endpapers, and covers of the original works faithfully reproduced. From the artist’s forward in Sketchbook 01: “I have completed almost 100 books since 1974, and they are instrumental to my creative process. My sketchbooks serve as an archive of imagery and ideas that inform my entire body of artwork. There are just 3 rules for these books: 1) must have beginning and end pages with dates 2) must work page after page 3) no page is torn out”.

Catalogue booklets from the following exhibitions featuring the artist c. 1985-2024:The Artist and the Computer II (1985), Women and Technology (1986), Random Access Memories: An Interactive Computer Art Exhibition (1991), Random Access Memories: An Interactive Computer Art Exhibition (1992), Random Access Memories 400: An Interactive Computer Art Exhibition (1993), RAM 400 Computer Art Exhibition: Celebrating Latin America (1995), In Context: Digital Expression (1992), Black Truths/White Lies (2003), Stargirl (2021) - The Wo/Men in my Life, Balancing Act: Drawings 1969-1974 (2023), MY PAST IS MY PRESENT (2024)

Sketchbook selection booklets: ALPHABET (2019), Sketchbook Selections: 1996-2005 (2007), Barbara Nessim (2011) - Sketch/collage art

Pocketbooks: Portfolio Highlights: Public Installations, Fine Arts & Illustration (2007), The Model Project: A collaboration between Barbara Nessim and Karl Rudisill (2008), Eventi: artwork by Barbara Nessim (2010), Barbara Nessim: Ceramic Shoes (2020)

The Model Project: A collaboration between Barbara Nessim and Karl Rudisill (2008) - Featuring essay by Kiša Lala

Communication Arts Journal, “Diseño en México”, Vol 43, No. 1, March/April 2001. Featuring “Barbara Nessim: A look at the 30-year career of this visionary New York illustrator/fine artist/educator” by Ellen Shapiro.

Dates

Publication: c. 2020 (reproduction sketchbooks)
Publication: c. 1986-2024 (other publications)
c. 1963-2020 (original sketchbooks)

Creator

Nessim, Barbara (Illustrator, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

No restrictions on access.

Conditions Governing Use

Use of the collection is subject to all copyright laws.

Biography

Barbara Nessim (b. 1939, New York, NY, USA) is a multidisciplinary artist and educator whose work spans six decades. Following her mother, a clothing designer, Nessim supported her education at Pratt Institute by working as a fashion illustrator in New York’s garment district. Soon after graduating from Pratt in 1960, she began her career as a freelance illustrator. During the 1960s and 70s, her imagery reflected the changing role of women in society. In 1982, Nessim was artist- in-residence at Time Inc.’s Video Information Services where she taught herself how to create computer art. Since then, computers and digital design have played a consistent role in her work. Her editorial and cover work has appeared in publications including Time, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, and Harper’s Bazaar. Nessim has taught in the MFA Computer Arts Program at the School of Visual Arts and in the Illustration Department at Parsons The New School for Design, where she was chair from 1992 to 2004. The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts named her its first Artist Laureate in 2009.

Extent

2.502 Linear Feet (Six manuscript boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Limited facsimile reproductions of 104 original sketchbooks by New York-based artist, graphic designer, and educator Barbara Nessim. Exhibition catalogues, pocketbooks, sketchbook selections, and publications featuring the artwork of Barbara Nessim.

Provenance

Sketchbook reproductions donated to Bard Graduate Center by Barbara Nessim in 2024. Some publications donated to Bard Graduate Center by Barbara Nessim on 6/10/2025. Some publications moved from BGC Gallery to BGC Archive in 2025.

Related Materials

The BGC archives maintains select records of the 2014 exhibition Barbara Nessim: An Artful Life and its related programming. A selection of digital materials can be viewed at this link.