Beat Generation Exhibition at Centre Pompidou Explores Literary Movement's Multimedia Legacy

From June 22 to October 3, 2016, the Centre Pompidou in Paris showcased 'Beat Generation: New York, San Francisco, Paris,' curated by Philippe-Alain Michaud alongside Rani Singh and Jean-Jacques Lebel. This exhibition spotlighted more than 80 artists, particularly emphasizing the trio of William Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg, who first convened in New York City in 1944. Notable pieces included a 120-foot scroll of Kerouac's 'On the Road,' the original manuscript of Ginsberg's 'Howl,' and 200 phonetic transcription posters created by Allen Ruppersberg. The exhibition also delved into their journeys and relationships with figures such as Michael McClure and Gary Snyder, featuring multimedia works by Bruce Conner and Wallace Berman, as well as Ginsberg's tribute to Apollinaire at his grave.