Bay Area Dada: Publishing, Performance, and Postal Networks, 1970–1985
April 24 – July 18, 2027
San Francisco Center for the Book
An exhibition tracing the emergence and momentum of neo-Dada practices and artists in the San Francisco Bay Area during the 1970s and ‘80s
San Francisco Center for the Book
375 Rhode Island StreetSan Francisco, CA 94103Wednesday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Free
ADA Accessible
Bay Area Dada: Publishing, Performance, and Postal Networks, 1970–1985 traces the emergence of neo-Dada practices in the San Francisco Bay Area during the 1970s and early 1980s. Experimenting with zines, mail art, small press publishing, and performance, artists created networks of exchange that extended beyond gallery walls and across geographic locations. These ephemeral and collective practices often combined humor with critique, challenging artistic conventions while generating new connections. The exhibition brings together printed matter, postal works, and performance documentation to highlight how the Bay Area Dadaists reimagined the avant-garde for their own cultural moment.
Exhibiting Artists
Anna Banana, Barbara Wyeth, Bill Gaglione, Buster Cleveland, Coum Transmissions, General Idea, Ginny Lloyd, Gregory Puchalski, Guglielmo Achille Cavellini, Howard Munson, Judith Auda, La Mamelle, Leavenworth Jackson, Patricia Tavenner, Ray Johnson, Winston Smith
Gregg Puchalski, 491 (Back covers), 1973. Zine. Courtesy of the San Francisco Center for the Book
San Francisco Center for the Book
San Francisco Center for the Book (SFCB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the art, craft, and history of the book. As the Bay Area’s home for book artists and a gateway for the broader arts community, SFCB offers 300+ annual workshops, exhibitions, and free public programs year-round.
Things to Do Around Here
Farley’s Coffeehouse is a great space to grab a cup of coffee, flip through magazines, and then continue exploring Potrero Hill and Dogpatch.
Jennie Hinchcliff, Director of Exhibitions & Artist Programs, San Francisco Center for the Book
Piccino has the best ginger scones in SF!
Jennie Hinchcliff, Director of Exhibitions & Artist Programs, San Francisco Center for the Book
ARCH Art Supplies is a hidden gem of an art supply store as it has everything you need for drafting, sketching, or creating. Their selection of pens and pencils can’t be beat!
Jennie Hinchcliff, Director of Exhibitions & Artist Programs, San Francisco Center for the Book