Bomb Magazine records, 1978-2017

Summary

Creator:
Bomb Magazine
Abstract:
This collection contains the administrative records of the interview-based arts journal, BOMB Magazine.
Extent:
129 linear feet 56 record cartons 116 document boxes 6 flat boxes
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Bomb Magazine records; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Background

Scope and content:

The bulk of the collection is comprised of research and background material used by the Bomb staff to create the individual issues. These records include correspondence, interview transcripts, literary manuscripts and proofs, magazine layouts, photographs and slides of individual artists and artwork, research material, printed material, and audio and digital files. Administrative files, such as financial records, fundraising material, legal files, records concerning other Bomb publications and programs, and general business records are also held in the collection.

Biographical / historical:

BOMB Magazine was founded in 1981 as a medium through which artists could speak to one another freely and without boundaries about the creative process; what it meant to them as writers, actors, directors, artists and cultural commentators. The editors, being unsure of the success of this venture, named the magazine BOMB. However, the concept of providing a forum for artists to discuss art, literature, film, and fashion in print was indeed successful and the magazine has continued for over twenty-five years.

Located in Brooklyn, New York, BOMB Magazine is published quarterly by the small non-profit New Art Publications. The magazine has an editorial board consisting of some seventy members who are actively involved in the creative and performing arts. This organization exists financially through grants, given at the local and national level, and donations. BOMB's Art Program provides further income for the institution. Through this program, artists donate artwork to the magazine which then sells these pieces to art collectors, museums, and university galleries. Some individuals who have been involved with this program in the past are Keith Haring, William Wegman, and several artists who created publicity pieces for the popular Absolut Vodka marketing campaign.

Throughout the years, many notable members of the arts have conducted or been interviewed for BOMB Magazine. In addition to the interviews, BOMB staff members have reviewed literary pieces, have reproduced artwork, and have included articles on theater productions and film. Indeed, the variety of artists who have graced the pages is broad. Selected distinguished individuals include Jane Alexander, Laurie Anderson, Eric Bogosian, Jean Louis Borges, Chuck D, Willem Dafoe, Jill Eisenstadt, Spaulding Gray, Christopher Guest, Emmylou Harris, bell hooks, Jim Jarmusch, Jasper Johns, Wong Kar-Wai, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Mapplethorpe, Joyce Carol Oates, Salman Rushdie, Quentin Tarantino, and Wallace Shawn.

BOMB Magazine continues to provide an in-depth look at the ways in which art is appreciated, created and sustained by those most involved: the artists.

Acquisition information:
2004-2005-M44: Source of acquisition--Bomb Magazine. Method of acquisition--Purchase; Date of acquisition--October 2005.
Processing information:

Papers processed Lea Osborne April 2007.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into 5 series.

Accruals:

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The following boxes are located off-site: 1-123, 125-178. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

This collection has no restrictions.

Terms of access:

Reproductions may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Bomb Magazine records; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Location of this collection:
6th Floor East Butler Library
535 West 114th St.
New York, NY 10027, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
(212) 854-5590
rbml@library.columbia.edu