OPENING SOON: January 21, 2025

A folded page that says "Un coup de des."

Detail from Würfelwurf: Fragmentarische Annäherung an Stéphan Mallarmé, by Reinhold Nasshan [CC-05645-5752], Special Collections and Archives, University of Iowa Libraries.

In 1897, French Symbolist poet Stéphane Mallarmé revolutionized the world of graphic design with a single poem that forever changed the way we look at words. His work illustrated how text conveys meaning not only through words, but also as visual symbols that contain a deeper meaning. For over 125 years, artists and writers have continued to explore the mystery of Mallarmé’s poem “Un coup de dés jamais n’abolira le hasard” [A throw of the dice will never abolish chance]. This exhibition, curated by Rich Dana, features art, books, and ephemera from the Ruth and Marvin Sackner Archive of Concrete and Visual Poetry that explore the immense influence of “Un coup de dés” since its publication.

Exhibition Curation
Rich Dana
Sackner Archive Project Coordinator Librarian
Special Collections and Archives, University of Iowa Libraries

Preparation & Conservation
Bill Voss, Conservator Technician & Exhibit Preparator
Giselle Simón, University Conservator

Design
Lauren Coghlan, Creative Coordinator

Exhibition Coordination
Sara J. Pinkham, Exhibition and Engagement Coordinator

Installation
Bill Voss, Lauren Coghlan, Sara J. Pinkham, Giselle Simón, Rich Dana, Sarena Gibson, Mary Alice Waite

Materials Access Support
Lindsay Moen, Lead Public Services Librarian, Special Collections and Archives

Website
Ken Clinkenbeard, Web Services Specialist
Sara J. Pinkham

Communications
Anne Bassett, Senior Director, Strategic Communications and External Relations
Krista Hershberger, Communications Specialist

Additional Assistance
Natalee Dawson, Tim Shipe, Eric Ensley

Financial Support
Friends of the University of Iowa Libraries

Dedication and Special Thanks
This exhibit is dedicated to the memory of Ruth and Marvin Sackner.

Thank you to the Sackner family and to all the wonderful student librarians who have chosen to work on the Sackner project. Intellectually adventurous, they help bring order to chaos while expanding their artistic horizons. Past and present student librarians include: Gianna Ceriotti, Taylor Cline, Calvin Covington, Emily Edwards, Claire Graham, Sara Johnson, Abigail Kellis and Connor Lund and graduate assistants Camille Davis, David Kime, and Emily Wieder.