Getty Museum Acquires Archive of Artist Raymond Pettibon
# The Getty Acquires the Archive of Raymond Pettibon
### Exploring the Punk-Inspired Legacy of an Iconic Contemporary Artist
The **Getty Research Institute (GRI)** has recently acquired the **archive of Raymond Pettibon**, a major figure in contemporary art known for his underground punk aesthetics, dark humor, and incisive social and political critique. Pettibon’s work spans album art, concert flyers, artist books, and drawings that offer a unique insight into American history, culture, and literature.
This archive, spanning **28 boxes**, includes a vast collection of **drawings, notes, prints, zines, concert flyers, skateboards, and even a surfboard**, underscoring Pettibon’s deep roots in Southern California’s counterculture scene. Additionally, materials related to his artistic process, such as **paint tubes, ink jars, and videos** documenting his techniques, will be housed in the **Getty Conservation Institute’s Reference Collection**.
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## **Pettibon’s Impact on Punk and Contemporary Art**
Raymond Pettibon’s career dates back to the late 1970s, emerging as the visual artist behind **Black Flag**, the pioneering American hardcore punk band co-founded by his brother, **Greg Ginn**. His **stark, black-and-white graphic drawings**, combined with cryptic and unsettling text, became synonymous with the band’s identity and the broader punk movement.
His work went beyond punk visuals, delving into the **contradictions of American culture** with references to politics, literature, and sports. Over time, his **bold, ominous juxtapositions of text and imagery** expanded into various mediums, cementing him as a **critical voice in contemporary art.**
In 1992, Pettibon’s work was showcased in the landmark **“Helter Skelter: L.A. Art in the 1990s”** exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, which helped establish his reputation beyond underground music circles.
> *”Raymond is a seminal voice in art, and someone who has both defined and dissected Southern California’s mentality,”* said **Shaun Caley Regen**, founder of Regen Projects, which has represented Pettibon for over three decades.
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## **The Getty’s History with Pettibon’s Works**
The recent acquisition may seem surprising, given the Getty’s reputation for housing historical and classical artworks. However, this is not the museum’s first interaction with Pettibon. As early as the 1990s, Pettibon had **donated 40 drawings** to the Getty Research Institute. He continued contributing over the years, providing **artist books, photocopied zines, and archival materials**.
Between **2003 and 2004**, Pettibon was also an **artist-in-residence at the Getty**, conducting research on themes of **markets and value**—an unusual but fitting topic given his background in **economics** (he earned a degree in **Economics from UCLA** before pursuing art).
GRI Chief Curator **Glenn Phillips** stated that the Getty’s acquisition will allow a comprehensive study of Pettibon’s artistic journey:
> *“People can now examine his entire creative process—from initial inspirations and clippings to finished prints and drawings,”* Phillips explained. *“This can be crucial for conservators and art historians looking at how his work evolved.”*
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## **Contents of the Pettibon Archive at the Getty**
While the archive does not include paintings, it provides unprecedented insight into Pettibon’s **creative workflow and artistic evolution**. Among the notable materials:
– **Concert flyers & zines:** Rare posters from the **early 1980s punk scene**, featuring bands like **Black Flag**.
– **Drawings & sketches:** Raw, original works illustrating Pettibon’s thought process.
– **Ephemera & found materials:** Xeroxed and clipped images from comics and magazines, demonstrating how Pettibon repurposed everyday media into high art.
– **Personal notes & writings:** Handwritten commentary and conceptual ideas for various projects.
– **Videos & materials documenting his process:** These will be **preserved at the Getty Conservation Institute** for future study.
Phillips emphasized that this collection enables both art scholars and the general public to **trace every step of Pettibon’s evolving artistic expression**.
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## **Why This Acquisition Matters**
The **Getty’s acquisition of the Pettibon archive** signals a growing recognition of how **punk and underground art movements have influenced contemporary visual culture**. Once regarded as outsider art, Pettibon’s work is now being preserved in one of the world’s most prestigious art institutions.
Furthermore, the collection serves as a **historical document of 20th and 21st-century counterculture**, preserving the **DIY ethos of punk, critical social commentary, and personal reflections on American life**.
By housing these materials, the Getty ensures that Pettibon’s legacy continues to inspire **