A native New Yorker looks back on Lost Americana

Rafael (Randy) Klein recounts his experiences of Lost Americana through his artist’s books and short films, in conversation with Richard Price. 

Klein is an internationally recognised artist. He was born in Coney Island, New York City but has lived and worked in London for many years. He has exhibited in galleries and public venues across Europe and the US, and has created many public sculptures. 

In addition to sculpture and painting, he regularly creates artist’s books. These hand printed books look back on the American Experience from the perspective of a transplanted New Yorker. From Tales of New York, which tells of driving a taxi through the mean streets of New York, to Florida, or you can’t fight progress, an eco-catastrophe in a sun drenched paradise. All of the books are in the British Library collection, as well as other important collections such as MoMA in New York, the Tate, the V&A, and the Brooklyn Museum among others.

Image: Coney Island, Rafael Klein. Screenprinted page from the artist’s book, 2009

Details