"The Cat Inside" (1989)

Lawrence, Kansas: William S. Burroughs (painting), 1989.
14.125" x 9.75" (as unframed), spray paint and stencil on watercolor paper.

“The Cat Inside”, a spray paint and stencil painting by Burroughs on watercolor paper, 14.125” x 9.75”.  This work is backed with a label showing that it was once shown at Stellan Holm Gallery in New York City. The palm print and fingerprints of Burroughs can be seen in the paintings' surface. Initialed by William S. Burroughs on the lower edge.

A 3” x 5” card which is included with the work – this is one of the Burroughs paint-spattered cards that was common in his studio [for testing paint] and in home [for recording his thoughts/dreams] – contains notes from Jim McCrary [former owner] about this work:

“1-19-24 This painting made by W.S.B. at 1927 Learnard Ave Studio (bedroom) Lawrence KS. It hung on wall of the Burroughs for several years – When the last tenant moved out in 2021, McCrary removed this and several other works for safe keeping as house was empty. Later the work was gifted to McCrary by J. Grauerholz as favor for keeping it safe.”

This work was thus for some time on the walls in the Burroughs home and in the care of James Grauerholz, estate holder, and then went to close friend and assistant of Burroughs Jim McCrary in Lawrence, KS. I acquired this work directly from Jim McCrary in 2024.