Sun Ra’s poetry is to be celebrated in a new exhibition at Chicago gallery Corbett vs. Dempsey.
Sun Ra, The Substitute Words: Poetry, 1957-72 will use literary objects from Sun Ra’s own collection, as well as various archival material to "considering Sun Ra’s poetry on its own terms and in the context of the artist’s innovative DIY methods."
In addition to the exhibition, the gallery will also oversee the release of four books alongside the exhibition. Two of the books were originally made available alongside vinyl releases – Jazz By Sun Ra (1957) and Jazz In Silhouette (1959) – and the others – The Immeasurable Equation (1972) and Extensions Out: The Immeasurable Equation Vol. II (1972) – were sold by Sun Ra after live performances.
Finally, Corbett vs. Dempsey will release a 7" record by Sun Ra and His Arkestra that also features Ricky Murray. I Struck A Match On The Moon/Dreamsville was recorded during the 1961 sessions for the album The Futuristic Sounds Of Sun Ra.
Sun Ra, The Substitute Words: Poetry, 1957-72 will run from March 26 to April 24, 2021. The books and 7" record are available to purchase via Corbett vs. Dempsey’s website.