Any attempt to categorize Brion Gysin (1916-1986) runs the risk of misrepresenting a truly radical trailblazer. Artist, poet, subversive---Gysin was all these things and more. During his
lifetime. he embraced a myriad of artistic forms, producing paintings, drawings. photocollages, installations, poetry. film, and sound recordings, often taking his chosen medium in new and
unexpected directions while influencing the work of others. Perhaps best known among Gysin's many creations are the Cut-Up Method, which he explored with his lifelong friend and collaborator
William S. Burroughs, and the Dreamachine, a kinetic sculpture developed with Ian Sommerville that uses the "flicker" effect to induce visions in those who allow its light to play on their
closed eyelids. Since his death, Gysin's work has only increased in popularity, and he continues to inspire an array of artists, writers, poets, and musicians
Brion Gysin: Dream Machine is the first detailed study of Gysin's cuvre in both art-historical and contemporary contexts. Incisive essays explore the many facets of Gysin's life and work, while
such contemporary artists as Trisha Donnelly. Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, and Scott Treleaven offer their own highly personal appreciations of this relatively neglected yet influential figure.
Illustrated throughout with a comprehensive selection of Gysin's work, and featuring a reproduction of a do-it-yourself Dreamachine, this exciting new book dares to capture the remarkable
legacy of an artistic visionary
