Philip Guston's Political Satire Drawings of Nixon Exhibited in London

From 19 May to 29 July 2017, Hauser & Wirth in London hosted 'Philip Guston Laughter in the Dark, Drawings from 1971 & 1975.' This exhibition highlighted Guston's satirical drawings produced following his 1971 return from Italy, which mock President Richard Nixon and foreshadow the Watergate scandal. The 'Poor Richard' series showcased 73 selected works, portraying Nixon in various ludicrous depictions, along with Vice President Spiro Agnew and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. Additionally, the smaller 1975 series, 'Phlebitis,' represented post-Watergate America. The exhibition also included works discovered after Guston's death. His artistic style, inspired by George Herriman's 'Krazy Kat,' integrated cartoonish elements with political commentary, echoing themes like Klansmen imagery from his 1970 exhibition.