Upcoming exhibit ‘Thin Wild Mercury: Dylan 1966’ to debut at Bob Dylan Center in July
A new exhibition titled “Thin Wild Mercury: Dylan 1966” is scheduled to open this summer at the Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This showcase delves into Bob Dylan’s iconic career directly following his controversial transition to an electric sound at the historic 1965 Newport Folk Festival. The exhibition promises a deep dive into this transformative period through an immersive multimedia experience, unveiling never-before-seen manuscripts, photographs, and recently restored film footage from this era.
“Thin Wild Mercury: Dylan 1966” will take visitors on a captivating journey through the pivotal moments of Dylan’s career during this time. It will explore his recording of the seminal “Blonde on Blonde” album, his ground-breaking world tour, and his interactions with music legends like The Band, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and cultural icons such as Andy Warhol. Displayed exhibits will include original lyric drafts from the tracks “I Want You” and “One of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)” from the legendary “Blonde on Blonde” album.
Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with artifacts like original manuscripts from Dylan’s first book “Tarantula,” rare photographs, documents, and footage capturing the essence of Dylan’s 1966 world tour. This exhibition provides a unique chance to witness a crucial period in Bob Dylan’s artistic evolution.
Curator Mark Davidson emphasizes the visual and musical vibrancy present in Dylan’s career post-Newport. The exhibition captures Dylan’s distinct style and attitude through his wild hair, iconic sunglasses, and stylish tailored suits. During this era, Dylan navigated the complexities of growing fame while maintaining his authenticity as an artist. The exhibition encapsulates Dylan’s challenging dynamic with both the press and his audience, highlighting the dichotomy between his immense popularity and his aversion to being labeled as a conventional pop star.
One of the focal points of the exhibition is Dylan’s two rarely seen screen tests with Andy Warhol. Visitors will have the exclusive opportunity to create their own screen test using an interactive screen test machine, generously provided by the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. This interactive element invites guests to engage with Dylan’s legacy in a unique and personal way, embodying the spirit of creative expression that defined the 1966 era.
“Thin Wild Mercury: Dylan 1966” is scheduled to open on July 18 at the Parker Brothers Gallery within the Bob Dylan Center and will remain open until January 31, 2027. This exhibition promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans and enthusiasts alike to experience the magic of Bob Dylan’s historic 1966 period. More details can be found on the Bob Dylan Center’s website.