22/08/2026
John Marchant Gallery and Satellite Storefront are very pleased to present John Giorno: Seven Dial-A-Poems, with the kind cooperation of Giorno Poetry Systems in NY. Opens 6-9pm Thursday to Saturday 27th August to 19th September.
After earning a BA from Columbia University in 1958, John Giorno (1936-2019) established himself as an active presence in New York’s art scene, lauded for his starring role in Andy Warhol’s five-hour film Sleep (1963). A life-long collaborator, he staged multimedia events with Robert Rauschenberg, developed new recording techniques with Bob Moog, and performed alongside William Burroughs and Brion Gysin. In 1967, he published his first monograph, Poems, and his first LP, collaborating with Rauschenberg and Les Levine on the artwork and designs for both.
Giorno created Dial-A-Poem at The Architectural League of New York in 1969, which was subsequently included in the landmark group exhibition Information at the Museum of Modern Art in 1970. Dial-A-Poem was both celebrated and censored for its selection of readings and speeches by poets and activists.
Giorno was not just a poet but an artist and a performer. In 1969, recognising that the written word could be powerfully transformed into spoken word, he began a performance practice that he pursued throughout his life, pioneering a distinct and unique style. In 1981, he formed The John Giorno Band and performed at various punk rock venues.
Giorno retired from performing in 2017 and spent the last two years of his life in meditation, artmaking, writing poetry, and working on his memoir, Great Demon Kings. His iconic poem prints, paintings, prints and drawings continue to show in museums and galleries around the world. Portrait by Sebastian King. Special thanks to Bonnie at Giorno Poetry Systems. What an honour! Giorno Poetry Systems Satellite
