Ashley Bryan & Langston Hughes

The above collage is original art from Sail Away, a 2015 children's book in which Ashley Bryan illustrated poems by Langston Hughes dealing with the theme of water. It's part of a gorgeous show at the Morgan Library & Museum, in New York, through January 22, 2023. You can also read "Long Trip" in a bigger font at at the Academy of American Poets. My friend and I had the best time at the Morgan, chit-chatting with a friendly security guard about our favorite pictures and taking several turns around the room to make sure of our choices. 

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The Poetry Friday roundup takes place at Irene Latham's Live Your Poem on December 23rd. Happy Holidays to all!

Comments

[Linda Baie]

Oh, it must be a marvelous show to see! I love the idea of the ocean as "a wilderness of waves" and Bryan's art includes a myriad of gorgeous images. Thanks for sharing part of your time there.

[Susan]

It's a wonderful show! Bryan's art is so beautiful; I enjoyed seeing its intricacies. He gives a fitting visual context for the Hughes work.

[Linda Mitchell]

I love that book! I got an old, weeded and icky copy at a library sale and have used the collage in that book as inspiration and more in my crafting hobby. I would love to see that show! Thanks for sharing a bit with us.

[Irene Latham]

Oooh, wish I could insta-travel to this show! I love what Ashley created, inspired by Langston's water-worlds. Thank you!

[PATRICIA J FRANZ]

What a fun exhibit! And thank you for sharing the poems!

[Susan]

Linda, lucky you to have the book! I almost bought it on the way out, and am now sorry that I didn't. Since you like collage, do look online at the Ashley Bryan originals. My friend & I were in awe.

Irene, it's a wonderful show. I'll probably go back. And buy the book, for one thing!

You're welcome, Patricia. Thanks for stopping by!

[Mary Lee]

What a fantastic combination -- Bryan and Hughes! I can see why Linda M. uses the book as a mentor text for her collaging!

[Michelle Kogan]

I love the Morgan, such a fun and intriguing small museum, the library with all its books is special. I was there with my daughter and husband just before the pandemic and accidentally walked off with my coat check tag… guess that means I want to returns. Looks like a wonderfully rich exhibit–as is this piece and poem–a perfect paring Ashley Bryan and Langston Hughes! Thanks for sharing it Susan, Happy Holidays!

[Susan]

Yes, me, too, Mary Lee. It made me want to try collage, though I fear a Cake Wreck kind of outcome.

Michelle, the Morgan has become a favorite of mine the last few years. And, see, you'll have to return with your coat check tag! ):

[Karen Edmisten]

Oh, what an exhibit that must be! Thanks for this.