JACK SMITH (1932-1989)

Among the few vintage Smith photographs to have survived, these original photographs form part of the unpublished 16 Immortal Photographs. The project was rejected by Film Culture and the images used instead for the self-published The Beautiful Book. Smith, one of the most influential artists in the American avant-garde, had a marked impact on Warhol, who credits him as a key influence. Smith played the title role in Warhol's 'Dracula' and a number of his models became superstars in Warhol's factory. 'The term "superstar" as well as the very idea of Warhol's Factory...were appropriated by Warhol from Smith's Cinemaroc.'
Leffingwell (editor), Flaming Creatures, p. 144; cf. The Open Book, pp. 190-191.