Jack Kerouac (American, 1922-1969)

Kerouac was a prominent writer and part of the Beat Generation in the 1950s. His autobiographical book On the Road is an iconic post-WWII road novel. Kerouac’s fast stream-of-consciousness writing style created frenzied prose that conjured a romanticized hipster lifestyle and inspired future generations of American authors. Alongside fellow Beat writers like Allen Ginsberg and William Burroughs, Kerouac fostered a new culture of bohemianism and adventure that defined the 1950s. The print Untitled (Jack Kerouac) by artist David Seltzer showcases a pair of boots with “Kerouac” written on the image. The print speaks to Kerouac’s rugged nature and connects to the literary character of the traveler through focusing in on one of his well-worn objects.