Jon Carsman (1944–1987) was a Wilkes-Barre, PA native known for his distinctive silkscreen prints that captured the spirit of suburban and rural America, mixing human constructs with natural beauty.
Much of his catalog, referred to by contemporaries as “super realism” or “new realism,” is inspired by the natural scenes and architecture of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Carsman became widely renowned for his screen prints as well as his oil, acrylic, pen, and watercolor works, spending many years working in New York City and exhibiting alongside fellow silkscreen artist Andy Warhol and Abstract Expressionist Hans Hofmann through the 1970s and ‘80.
Of his portrayals of garden scenes, country roads, Victorian homes, lakeside scenes, and more, Carsman once said “I want to give you a feel of what it is like to be there when I was.”
By the time of his early death, he had garnered national renown. His wide breadth of work remains celebrated for its lyrical portrayal of the American landscape in bold colors and stark contrasts.
Faded Glory, Jon Carsman (1944–1987), Silkscreen print, 80.3.15
