An influential composer, writer, and artist, John Cage (1912–1992) devised complicated creative strategies that were dependent on chance outcomes dictated by the I Ching, an ancient Chinese book of divination. Featuring six prints from the Gallery's collection, John Cage: Rocks, Paper, Fire explores his experimental approach to creating visual art. The selection of prints highlights Cage's unconventional utilization of fire as a printmaking medium and his systematic employment of stones as templates for tracing. By ceding key formal decisions to chance, Cage sought to avoid expressing personal taste and intention. His commitment to indeterminacy as a creative strategy proved to be a wellspring of beauty.

Organization: Organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington, to coincide with the John Cage Centennial Festival Washington, DC

Schedule: National Gallery of Art, August 24–September 16, 2012

Passes: Passes are not required for this exhibition.

The exhibition is on view in the National Gallery's East Building, Concourse Galleries.