Titled NYC's Street Poets and Visionaries, Kenneth Goldsmith's latest book explores the city's past through a unique lens – classified ads and advertising posters salvaged from its very streets. With a launch, exhibition, and talk held at Printed Matter in New York City a couple of weeks ago, Goldsmith's latest work promises to be a thought-provoking read. Through his use of funny, weird, yet meaningful ads and posters, Goldsmith skillfully captures the essence of what the authentic New York really is.
During the period spanning from the late 1980s, which marked the end of the Reagan era, to the year 2020, which witnessed the beginning of the Covid pandemic, the talented artist Kenneth Goldsmith was busy scouring the streets of New York for his next big inspiration. Armed with an unparalleled eye for detail and a keen sense of humour, Goldsmith managed to collect hundreds of classified ads and advertising posters during his quest. These ads were a true reflection of New York's diverse and quirky population, and they ranged from the hilarious to the offbeat, and even the absurd. Despite their lack of utility, these ads were breathtakingly beautiful, and each one had its own unique story to tell.
