In 1968, Kurt was invited to provide the text for an exhibition catalog at the Witte Memorial Museum in San Antonio, Texas. The exhibition featured lithographic works by various artists such as Robert Rauchenberg, Frank Stella and Claes Oldenburg produced at Gemini G.E.L., a print studio formed in 1966. Kurt's catalog text, entitled "Gemini Rising", discusses the artworks, but also the implications of the Gemini enterprise, overall, which he praises.
Kurt also traveled to San Antonio for the opening, at which he delivered a talk. Though no notes or record of his remarks are available, letters from Martha Utterback, the curator of the museum, indicate that his talk created quite a stir. For example, she says, "John Leeper, director of the McNay, told me was so sorry to have missed your talk as he had heard that it outraged so many people." And, "Mrs. Katz left town Monday, but not before delivering a homily, by phone, on the evils of ruining such a fine mind, with such a high I.Q. as yours, with drugs; she said she knew you liked them whether you took them or not....But I enjoyed your visit and being around you. There aren't too many incredible people. I wish you had left the funny page of lecture notes here."
In addition to the text of "Gemini Rising" a portion of a letter from Kurt to a writer compiling an anthology a year later is also included below. In it, Kurt speaks of the role of Gemini, the world of "fine art" and most significantly, his concerns about western culture. "There is a revolution underway. Its goal is nothing short of saving the planet earth. There are many artists, more scientists, and even some educators who are up front in this revolution." It's both a snapshot of the times of 1969, and a glimpse into the personal struggle taking place in Kurt's life.
