1960 - 1962
In 1960, his first solo exhibition in New York, titled, "John Chamberlain," is held at the Martha Jackson Gallery.
1960:
Chamberlain begins a new creative endeavor by crafting mixed-media collages on 12-inch-square acoustic tiles that he retrieves from his studio ceiling. His process involves using pigments, paper, cardboard, fabric, staples, aluminum foil, and scrap metal. The resulting artworks often take on a three-dimensional and sculpted appearance. This practice of making collages on these tiles continues until 1963.
January 5-30: His first solo exhibition in New York, titled "John Chamberlain," is held at the Martha Jackson Gallery, coinciding with an exhibition by the painter Alfred Leslie. The gallery's upstairs space features ten of Chamberlain's works: "Arcadia," "Hawthorne," "Johnny Bird," "Redwing S," "Swannanoa," "Waller," "Wellsroot," "Wildroot," and "Zaar," all created in 1959. These sculptures predominantly incorporate car metal. While Chamberlain maintains that his work is purely abstract, critic Emily Genauer suggests that the physical substance of his sculptures serves as commentary on contemporary societal aspects like conspicuous waste and conflicting values. Irving Sandler notes that the allure of interpreting discarded automobile metal is present, but Chamberlain's primary focus remains on formal relationships.
In February: Donald Judd contributes a review of Chamberlain's Martha Jackson exhibition to Arts Magazine, marking the beginning of Judd's lifelong dedication to Chamberlain's work. Judd's article commences and concludes with these observations:
"Chamberlain's sculpture displays three evident aspects: redundancy, distinct structures, and color. The folded sheet metal sourced from car bodies possesses volume, seeming somewhat unwieldy, and forms an essential shape that falls short of fully utilizing its bulk. The sculptures are grandiloquent, featuring exhaust pipes, rods, and billows of metal—unmistakably tied to junk and evoking ordinary wreckage.
The abundance of material implies an endless supply. "The distinct feature is the use of color. Paint is incorporated into the metal's creases and is fundamentally integral to the artwork. Although colored sculpture has been a subject of exploration, Chamberlain's approach stands apart. While the current use of color may seem inadequate, the potential for exciting prospects is evident. Chamberlain has ample time and opportunity to further uncover these possibilities."
June 6-24: Chamberlain participates in the New Media-New Forms I exhibition at the Martha Jackson Gallery in New York, showcasing his piece "Nutcracker" from 1960. This exhibition generates both praise and critique, offering an overview of contemporary art's expanded landscape. The displayed artworks incorporate diverse common materials, foreshadowing the upcoming presentation of "The Art of Assemblage" at The Museum of Modern Art in 1961.
Summer: Chamberlain purchases a residence on an acre of land at 74 Strawtown Road in New City, Rockland County, New York. He renovates a barn on the property, transforming it into a studio space.
September 27-October 15: Chamberlain participates in the New Sculpture Group: Fifth Exhibition at the Stable Gallery in New York, showcasing works like "April" and "Valentine," both created in 1960.
September 28-October 22: Contributes to the New Media-New Forms II exhibition at the Martha Jackson Gallery, featuring his artwork "Redwing" from 1959.
October 3-31: Takes part in "Aspects de la sculpture américaine" at Galerie Claude Bernard in Paris, presenting "Jo-So" from 1960.
November: a solo exhibition planned to run from November 22nd to December 17th at the Martha Jackson Gallery in New York is canceled. No reason is provided in the press release.
December 13, 1960 - January 7, 1961: Chamberlain participates in "A Group of Paintings, Sculptures and Drawings" at the Green Gallery in New York. The gallery, financially backed by collector Robert C. Scull, is operated by Richard Bellamy, an early supporter of Chamberlain's work.
John Chamberlain, Hatband, 1960
1961: Chamberlain and his family embark on a vacation to New Mexico.
April 28-May 28: Chamberlain is selected, along with Tom Doyle and James Wines, for the sixth biennial of contemporary art titled "Three Young Americans" at the Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College in Ohio. His works on display include "AAP" (listed as "AC-DC"), "Jo-So," "Untitled" (now known as "Hillbilly Galoot," all from 1960).
May 23-June 30: Participates in the exhibition "Sculpture and Relief" at Leo Castelli Gallery in New York. The works showcased are "Essex" (1960), "Captain O'Hay" (1961), and "Tonk" (1961).
July - September 15: Takes part in "Le nouveau réalisme à Paris et à New York" at Galerie Rive Droite in Paris, organized by Pierre Restany. The exhibition features artists like Arman, Lee Bontecou, César, Niki de Saint Phalle, and others. Chamberlain's work "Bad Axe" (1961) is included in this exhibition that explores the concept of "nouveau réalisme."
September to December: Participates in the "Eleven Artists of the United States" exhibition at the 6th Bienal do Museu de Arte Moderna in São Paulo. His artworks "Swannanoa" (1959) and "Hatband" (1960, captioned as "Mr. Blue, 1961") are featured, alongside works by other American artists. The exhibition is curated by William C. Seitz and complements three solo exhibitions dedicated to American artists.
October 2-November 12: Takes part in "The Art of Assemblage" exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. His artwork "Essex" (1960) is exhibited. This exhibition travels to other venues as well.
The Museum of Modern Art acquires Chamberlain's work "Essex" (1960) as part of its collection, marking his first artwork to join a public collection.
October 16-November 11: Participates in the "Six Sculptors" exhibition at the Dwan Gallery in Los Angeles. His works showcased are "Ginger" (1961) and an untitled relief from 1960.
October 27, 1961, to January 7, 1962: Participates in the "Pittsburgh International Exhibition of Contemporary Painting and Sculpture" organized by the Department of Fine Arts, Carnegie Institute. His work "Wildroot" (1959) is featured.
Throughout this year, Chamberlain's work is showcased in various exhibitions across different cities, highlighting his continued exploration of materials and artistic concepts within the contemporary art landscape.
John Chamberlain, Mr. Press, 1961
1962: From January 5 to February 18, he participates in the "65th Annual American Exhibition: Some Directions in Contemporary Painting and Sculpture" at the Art Institute of Chicago. His work "White Thumb" (1960-61) is showcased.
January 13-February 6: His first solo exhibition at Leo Castelli Gallery in New York. The exhibition features sculptures including "Falconer-Fitten" (1960), "Maz" (1960), "Fantail" (1961), "Jackpot" (1961), and "Mr. Press" (1961).
Spring: During the year, Chamberlain sets up a studio at 303 Cherry Street in New York.
April 10-May: Participates in "Contemporary Painting and Sculpture" at Green Gallery in New York.
April 21-October 21: Participates in "Art Since 1950" at the Seattle World's Fair (which later travels to Rose Art Museum, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts, and Instite of Contemporary Art, Boston, November 21-December 23).
July 10-August 12: Participates in the "Premio Internacional de Escultura Instituto Torcuato Di Tella" exhibition at the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Buenos Aires.
September: Chamberlain travels to California and shares a studio in Los Angeles with artist Neil Williams. During this time, he works on sculptures for upcoming exhibitions at Dwan and Dilexi Galleries.
September 22-October 13: Participates in a group show at Leo Castelli Gallery in New York, alongside artists like Edward Higgins, Jasper Johns, Robert Rauschenberg, and others.
October 16-November 7: An exhibition with Frank Stella takes place at Leo Castelli Gallery. Chamberlain's black-and-white metal sculptures are displayed with Stella's paintings.
November 5-December 1: Chamberlain has an exhibition at Dilexi Gallery in Los Angeles. This exhibition later travels to Dilexi Gallery in San Francisco.
November 18-December 15: Participates in "My Country Tis of Thee" at Dwan Gallery in Los Angeles and
November 23-December 29: Participates in "Sculpture/International" at Martha Jackson Gallery in New York.
December 10: Chamberlain's third son, John Duncan Chamberlain, is born.
December 12, 1962-February 3, 1963: Participates in the "Annual Exhibition: Contemporary Sculpture and Drawings" at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York.