Frantisek KUPKA and the Cubism and Abstract Art exhibition in New York.

Frantisek KUPKA (1871.1957).

Autograph letter signed to his art critic friend, Georges Turpin.

Three large pages in-8° in French. Autograph envelope.

Puteaux (stamp). July 22, 1936.

“The press in general has shown itself to be extremely ignorant of art. »

Superb letter from Kupka discussing the exhibition Cubism and Abstract Art which was held at the Museum of Modern Art in New York from March 2 to April 19, 1936, during which he exhibited several works.

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"My dear friend, This time I am obliged to ask you for a great, great pardon. Since the opening of the exhibition at the Jeu de Paumes I have not yet found a way to thank you for your first article in "Ville de Paris" and you, that in all that has appeared in the printed papers, concerning me, it is you who have written the most clearly and as an informed man . (Truly the press in general has shown itself to be of a most distressing ignorance in art and in particular insipid with regard to any attempt to escape from the illogic of traditional painting ).

Now, I have to thank you again for a second article published in "La Griffe" that you were kind enough to send me, and which is also very good. As for being rested, I am completely rested, but I still have my leg to take care of and since the closing of the exhibition I have not yet found the possibility of staying in bed for a fortnight without moving , as the doctor ordered. I had to go shopping in Paris, for which I could not get a replacement, and as a result my leg is still pretty much the same. Today I am writing to you in bed; oh! the spiders!! On top of all that, I am broke ; at home, we are counting the pennies. I sent my membership and subscription to Mr. Pierre Massé. It remains to be seen whether I will be able to send something to the "trait" exhibition, because I have nothing new to present. Maybe by then you'll have the opportunity to come to Puteaux and choose for yourself.

You asked me for a catalog of my exhibition. The package has been ready for a long time. Fortunately, it's not urgent, as long as it's just a matter of putting it in your archive. I also have an 18th-century book written by a Turpin that will interest you. For the moment, I'm wondering how I'll manage to at least equalize my situation with you; I owe you a lot. I hope the good weather will soon return and that you will be able to enjoy your vacation and rest well, because you too need it very much. Give our compliments to Mrs. Turpin, our best regards, and believe me, yours truly, Kupka.