This collection is open for research. Access to original papers requires an appointment and is limited to the Archives' Washington, D.C. Research Center.
Researchers interested in accessing audiovisual recordings in this collection must use access copies. Contact References Services for more information.
Summary:
The papers of Jason Berger and Marilyn Powers measure 2.1 linear feet and date from 1942-2001. Included are correspondence, including Berger's Army correspondence to Frieda Humowitz (some illustrated) and miscellaneous correspondence (some letters are xeroxes); sketches by Berger; 22 sketchbooks by Berger; 7 appointment books containing sketches, addresses, and notes; photographs of work by Powers; Powers and Berger passports containing photographs of them and their son, Adam; 2 photographs of Berger taken by Michael Peirce; reproductions of work; exhibition related material; printed material; and clippings. Also included are a VHS videotape, "Jason Berger/At the Edge of the World," (1993) produced by Howard Posner; and material relating to The Direct Vision including, correspondence, writings, exhibition related material, clippings, press releases, an application for financial assistance, and legal documents pertaining to incorporation.
Citation:
Jason Berger and Marilyn Powers papers, circa 1942-2001. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.
Use Note:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
Biography Note:
Jason Berger (1924-2010) and Marilyn Powers (1925-1976) were painters in Boston, Mass. Berger and Powers were married until her death in 1976. They helped to form, along with their son, Adam, and other artists, a group called The Direct Vision. Their son is a poet and painter in Brookline, Mass.
Language Note:
Undetermined .
Provenance:
Donated 1994 by Jason Berger. The video was donated by Berger and Howard Posner, the video's producer. Twenty-one sketchbooks were donated in 2023 by Leena Rekola, Berger's second wife.
Location Note:
Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution, 750 9th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20001
