Identifier

MA 131

Dates

1966-2024

Extent

47.79 linear feet [7 record boxes, 7 oversize flat boxes, 9 frame enclosures]

Abstract

James Pollock is an American artist renowned for blending abstract and concrete styles, drawing inspiration from Bauhaus geometry, ancient cave art, and traditional landscapes. The James Pollock Papers document the evolution and artistic contributions of this South Dakota artist, with a particular focus on his involvement in the U.S. Army’s Vietnam Combat Artists Program. This comprehensive collection encompasses a diverse array of materials—including notes, interviews, reports, photographs, sketches, and correspondence—that illuminate Pollock’s creative process, military experiences, and artistic development both during and after his service.

Central to the collection are Pollock’s original ink sketches, which explore themes ranging from South Dakota’s landscapes and wildlife to intricate human studies, reflecting his regional heritage and stylistic progression. The papers also highlight Pollock’s impact within military and civilian spheres through extensive media coverage, exhibition documentation, and press articles. His professional network and public engagement are further showcased through correspondence with a wide array of contacts and his active participation in veterans' art forums.

The James Pollock Papers offer an in-depth portrayal of an artist who integrates military history, cultural heritage, and personal expression. This collection not only underscores Pollock’s enduring artistic legacy but also provides valuable insights into the intersection of art and military service.

Historical Note

James Pollock (b. 1943, South Dakota) is an American artist based in Pierre, South Dakota, celebrated for a distinctive style that merges abstract and representational elements. His work draws inspiration from the geometric aesthetics of the Bauhaus, the primitive expressions of ancient cave paintings, and the classic forms of landscape art. Pollock is an active member of the South Dakota Plein Air Artists movement.

Raised in Pollock, South Dakota, Pollock showed an early passion for art. He pursued this interest academically, graduating with a degree in art from South Dakota State University in 1965. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, Pollock served in the Vietnam Combat Artists Program, where his art became part of the U.S. Army Art Collection. His Vietnam War-era pieces have been showcased widely, including at the Indianapolis Art Center and the National Constitution Center.

After his military service, Pollock built a career as a graphic artist and illustrator in South Dakota, contributing to state publications and projects. His work has been displayed in prominent exhibitions nationally and internationally. In 1980, he was named Artist of the Year by the South Dakota Cowboy and Western Heritage Hall of Fame. Pollock also designed the inaugural gold and silver bullion pieces for South Dakota in 1987. He is a founding member of Artists of the Black Hills, established in 2005.

In August 2018, Pollock was awarded the Harvey Dunn Award at a Plein Air painting competition in De Smet, South Dakota, a competition honoring Dunn's legacy as an artist and WWI illustrator. Pollock also collaborated with poet Steve Boint to publish Sketchbook 91-1-1, a book of art and poetry, in October 2018.

Content Notes

The James Pollock Papers document the life, art, and contributions of South Dakota artist James Pollock, with a particular focus on his involvement in the U.S. Army's Combat Art Teams (CAT) and his artistic works related to the Vietnam War. The collection encompasses a wide range of materials, including notes, interviews, reports, articles, photographs, and sketches, offering a detailed look at Pollock’s creative process, his military experiences, and his artistic evolution both during and after his service. A central component of the collection highlights Pollock’s role in the Combat Art Teams, which aimed to capture the realities of war through visual art. His contributions span various phases of the Vietnam conflict and also includes material of other Combat Artist Team military assignments in locations such as Korea, Thailand, Germany, Alaska, and Panama.

The collection features numerous original ink sketches that showcase Pollock’s distinctive style and his evolving artistic vision over the years. These works cover a broad range of subjects, from wildlife and landscapes to human figures, frequently drawing inspiration from his South Dakota heritage. In addition to his war-related art, Pollock’s work has been exhibited in venues such as the Indianapolis Exhibit and the Robinson Museum in Pierre, South Dakota. Articles and press releases from publications like South Dakota Magazine and Vietnam Magazine document his artistic impact, highlighting the significance of his contributions to both military and civilian audiences.

Correspondence within the collection reveals Pollock's interactions with a diverse group of individuals, including political figures, fellow artists, military personnel, and veterans. These letters provide valuable insight into the professional and cultural networks that supported Pollock’s artistic endeavors.

Beyond his military and war-related art, the collection includes Pollock’s personal projects, such as his illustrations for Blood on the Killdeer by Dana Close Jennings, as well as his involvement in South Dakota’s Centennial and Bicentennial celebrations. His engagement with the public is further reflected in materials related to his participation in art forums for veterans. The collection also documents Pollock's media presence, including his web site, articles, and video content, which showcase his outreach efforts to veterans and the broader public.

Overall, the James Pollock Papers offer a comprehensive portrait of an artist whose work bridges military history, cultural heritage, and personal expression, underscoring the enduring impact of his artistic contributions.

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

SDSU Archives and Special Collections

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Language

English

Publisher

South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.

Rights

This collection is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). Researchers may quote from the collection under the fair use provision of the copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code). Requests to publish should be arranged with the SDSU Archives and Special Collections.

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