In a conversation last November, Jake Ruehl, the son of the artist David Geiser, discussed having made copies of the first of his father’s 25 journals, begun when Geiser was 28 and continuing until his death in 2020.
Mr. Ruehl will be at LongHouse Reserve in East Hampton on Saturday afternoon at 3 to unveil “Geiser,” a compilation of the 25 journals that chronicle the artist’s odyssey across continents and cultures between 1976 and 2020. It moves from the underground comic scene in 1970s San Francisco to classical painting studies at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, through Spain, Morocco, and Greece, before settling in New York City and, later, East Hampton.
Geiser’s early career in underground comics, which included titles such as “Uncle Sham” and “Demented Pervert,” evolved into Abstract Expressionism in the 1980s. Over time, he developed a unique style incorporating shellac, pitch, tar, and found materials.
The noted art historian, curator, and museum director Peter Selz has said that “David Geiser’s work is about transforming matter into spirit. His stunning pieces ascend from the basic life force of nature.”
At the event, Mr. Ruehl will have a small number of his father’s “Cube” pieces for sale, as well as slides with viewers that will enable attendees to see work that is no longer in the family’s possession. Free digital copies of the book will also be available.
“I’m incredibly grateful to LongHouse for hosting this event,” said Mr. Ruehl, “giving us all a chance to connect with my father’s legacy and explore the enduring impact of his art on the world.”
Tickets are $35, $25 for members. An exhibition of Geiser’s work will be held in June at Ashawagh Hall in Springs.
