
James CastleAmerican, 1899–1977Untitled (Kaleidoscope book)
Can I see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “Untitled (Kaleidoscope book)” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
For this undated handmade book, Castle created a series of graphically complex “kaleidoscope” drawings, so named because they emulate the visual effects of a kaleidoscope, an optical instrument composed of a cylinder, multiple mirrors, and loose beads or bits of colored glass. As one gazes into a kaleidoscope and turns the rotating cylinder, light entering from the other end is reflected among the mirrors and loose materials, creating an infinite array of symmetrical patterns. Castle was fascinated by the abstract geometric configurations of the kaleidoscope (he owned several) and adapted its effects for his own invented compositions, some of which also included advertisements for commercial products.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Details
- Accession number
- 2017.80.1
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — Copyright © 2018 James Castle Collection and Archive LP, All rights reserved.

![Untitled (SHORT RIBS) [recto], James Castle, n.d.](https://api.nga.gov/iiif/d527843c-fb7f-46ef-909d-bd8ee60f304c/full/!2400,2400/0/default.jpg)




![Untitled (Patterned Figure) [recto], James Castle, n.d.](https://api.nga.gov/iiif/2e1f9484-ba44-4532-81a4-1ddb2ad8eeeb/full/!2400,2400/0/default.jpg)








