Modern Cartoonist: The Art of Daniel Clowes
Images
About
Daniel Clowes is an acclaimed comic book artist and graphic novelist—although he prefers the designation “cartoonist”—with nearly 50 publications to his credit. He is also a highly reputed magazine illustrator {bio: (and regular cover artist for the New Yorker) and an Oscar-nominated screenwriter for the film adaptation of his 1997 graphic novel Ghost World, which is widely credited with establishing the graphic novel as a credible literary form. This major survey, the first museum retrospective of Clowes's work, presents more than 125 original drawings and artifacts in an elegant, inviting installation combining today's graphic style with shades of a Victorian parlor. A traveling exhibition that first appeared at the Oakland Museum of California Art—the city that Chicago-born Clowes now calls home—the show will be expanded significantly for its MCA Chicago presentation.
Clowes first came to public attention in the late 1980s with his seminal comic-book series Eightball, where virtually all of his major works first appeared. The series ran through 2004, earning the artist a large following and multiple awards, and included graphic novels Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron (1993)}, an indescribable nightmare-journey through premillennial America; Pussey!
This exhibition is accompanied by an extensive full-color monograph published by Abrams Comic Art. Modern Cartoonist: The Art of Daniel Clowes is organized by guest curator Susan Miller with exhibition design by Nicholas de Monchaux. The Chicago presentation is coordinated by Lynne Warren, Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago.
Installation Images
Installation view, Modern Cartoonist: The Art of Daniel Clowes, MCA Chicago, Jun 29–Oct 13, 2013
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoInstallation view, Modern Cartoonist: The Art of Daniel Clowes, MCA Chicago, Jun 29–Oct 13, 2013
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoInstallation view, Modern Cartoonist: The Art of Daniel Clowes, MCA Chicago, Jun 29–Oct 13, 2013
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoInstallation view, Modern Cartoonist: The Art of Daniel Clowes, MCA Chicago, Jun 29–Oct 13, 2013
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoInstallation view, Modern Cartoonist: The Art of Daniel Clowes, MCA Chicago, Jun 29–Oct 13, 2013
Photo: Nathan Keay, © MCA ChicagoFunding
Modern Cartoonist: The Art of Daniel Clowes has been organized for the Oakland Museum of California by independent curator Susan Miller and René de Guzman, Senior Curator of Art at the Oakland Museum of California. Lead support for the Chicago presentation of this exhibition is provided by the Harris Family Foundation in memory of Bette and Neison Harris: Caryn and King Harris, Katherine Harris, Toni and Ron Paul, Pam and Joe Szokol, Linda and Bill Friend, and Stephanie and John Harris. MCA Chicago is a proud member of Museums in the Park and receives major support from the Chicago Park District.
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