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Octopus #1 6/24/63 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
1. The octopus first emerges as a whirl. The “planetary band” is at upper right
Octopus #1 6/24/63 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
Octopus #1 6/24/63 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
Record Details

1. The octopus first emerges as a whirl. The “planetary band” is at upper right

Artist ((1908–1992))
DateJune 24, 1963, 1 AM
Place/RegionColton, Oregon
MediumMineral pigment and watercolor on paper
DimensionsSheet: 11 1/4 x 15 1/2 " (28.6 x 39.4 cm)
Frame Dimension: 19 1/8 x 25 1/8 x 1 3/8 " (48.6 x 63.8 x 3.5 cm)
Credit LineGift of Jacqueline Loewe Fowler
Accession number2017.3.5
Photo CreditAdam Reich
Description
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated with new research. Records are reviewed and revised, and the American Folk Art Museum welcomes additional information.　
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Octopus #6 3/26/64 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
6. The octopus begins crushing the earth something terrible
Melvin Edward Nelson
March 26, 1964, 2:30 AM
2017.3.10
Octopus #10 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
10. The octopus is whirled and hacked to pieces
Melvin Edward Nelson
March 29, 1964, 3:31 AM
2017.3.14
Octopus #7 3/26/64 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
7. Two forces at work
Melvin Edward Nelson
March 26, 1964, 7:37 PM
2017.3.11
Octopus #3 3/25/64 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
3. The mighty umbrella over the top of the earth
Melvin Edward Nelson
March 25, 1964, 7:30 PM
2017.3.7
Octopus #8 3/27/64 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
8. The octopus puts a terrible squeeze onto the earth below
Melvin Edward Nelson
March 27, 1964, 4:31 PM
2017.3.12
Octopus #9 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
9. Seeing the end of the octopus but the advent of the serpent
Melvin Edward Nelson
March 28, 1964, 2:16 AM
2017.3.13
Octopus #4 3/25/64 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
4. The octopus prepares to crush the earth
Melvin Edward Nelson
March 25, 1964, 9:31 PM
2017.3.8
11. Aftermath: A few weeks later, a big whirl encircles the earth
11. Aftermath: A few weeks later, a big whirl encircles the earth
Melvin Edward Nelson
April 11, 1964, 12:50 PM
2017.3.15
12. Greater earthquakes are still to come
12. Greater earthquakes are still to come
Melvin Edward Nelson
April 16, 1964, 2:51 AM
2017.3.16
Octopus #5 3/26/64 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
5. The earth becomes squeezed in a terrible vise
Melvin Edward Nelson
March 26, 1964, 2:30 AM
2017.3.9
Octopus #2 3/24/64 Melvin Edward Nelson Photo by Adam Reich
2. The great umbrella over the top of the world changed into a great octopus
Melvin Edward Nelson
March 24, 1964, 8:31 PM
2017.3.6
Circle #2 3/12/63/12:46 AM
Circle #2 3/12/63/12:46 AM
Melvin Edward Nelson
1963
2017.3.17