BOB MATHENY: Hook’em Cow: Old Cigar Box Labels, Old Segar Bands, & New Writs
Joseph Clayes III Gallery
BOB MATHENY
Hook’em Cow: Old Cigar Box Labels, Old Segar Bands, & New Writs
November 23, 1996–January 11, 1997
Long before tobacco became controversial, the artwork that was used to advertise and package cigars was strikingly beautiful. San Diego artist Bob Matheny has translated his passion for such works into an unbound book, “Hook’em Cow: Old Cigar Box Labels, Old Segar Bands, & New Writs,” the focal point of this exhibition. The book is an interpretation of the subject matter of 226 old cigar box label images, exhibited as pages of the book, complete with his writings. In addition, the exhibition included items from the collection of Marilyn and John Neuhart, authors of the well-known book Eames Design, and other material displaying the beauty and historic interest of cigar-related artwork. A collection of boxes created by San Diego artists were exhibited in the rotunda and hall.