Underground comics arose in the late 60’s and 70’s with themes exploring sex, drugs, politics and anything else that gave artists a rise. Counterculture statements from individuals such as Robert Crumb, Harvey Peckar, Jay Lynch, Skip Williamson and others created shock waves in the art world and pushed legal boundaries.
Publications and small presses that produced the likes of Zap Comix, Weirdo Magazine, Mad Magazine and others set the tone for the comic artists of today. These artistic expressions gave birth to the current lowbrow art movement, which now encompasses everything from tattoo art, pin-up art, graffiti art, cartoon surrealism, hot-rod art, punk rock art and just about everything else that does not fit into traditional genres.
L’art Noir invites the community to join us in celebrating the roots of the lowbrow art world and exploring a selection of the current roster of underground comic artists. The Comic Art Show features six of today’s finest and strangest comic artists from around North America: New Orleans’ own Caeser Meadows; Connecticut’s Tony ‘Baloney’ Juliano; Florida’s Josh Taylor; California’s KRK Ryden, and from Montreal, Caro Caron and Henriette Valium – who rarely exhibits in the United States. Works on display will include original artworks, limited edition prints and comic books. Prices range from $0.50 (yes, only two quarters) to $500.00.
This event also marks the introduction of the new St. Claude Arts’ District – like minded galleries working together to insure artistic integrity in one of our city’s re-emerging corridors. The Comic Art Show exhibition will coincide with Barrister’s Gallery Inaugural Show exhibiting the works of Myrtle Von Damitz, III (opening reception 4-9pm, 2331 St. Claude Ave., www.barristersgallery.com) and the Farrington-Smith Gallery opening with paintings by Steve Richardson and Katherine Thompson (opening reception 6-9pm, 2514 St Claude Ave., www.farringtonsmith.com).
L’Art Noir New Orleans for more info!
