Category Archives: Events

Quick Hit: Swoon at Deitch Projects

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SWOON
SWIMMING CITIES OF SWITCHBACK SEA
PERFORMANCES AT DEITCH STUDIOS
SEPTEMBER 11, 12 AND 13 AT 8PM

The Swimming Cities is designed and organized by printmaker and installation artist Swoon. Collaborators include playwright Lisa D’Amour, the band Dark Dark Dark and circus composer Sxip Shirey.  Propulsion systems brought by John Rinaldi and Kinetic Steam Works. Boat design and carpentry created in close collaboration with Jeff Stark, Iris Lasson, and with guidance from The Floating Neutrinos.

DEITCH STUDIOS
4-40 44TH DRIVE (ON THE EAST RIVER)
LONG ISLAND CITY, NY, 11101
(212) 343-7300

Kim Deitch Retrospective at MoCCA

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MoCCA will be hosting a fantastic artistic survey of legendary comic artist Kim Deitch.  Even better, the exhibition is curated by Parsons Illustration faculty Bill Kartalopoulos.  Here’s the official press release:

Kim Deitch: A Retrospective will display original comics pages and other work covering the artist’s entire career to date, beginning with full-page comic strips drawn for the East Village Other in the sixties up to recent graphic novels including The Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Alias the Cat, Shadowland, and Deitch’s Pictorama. The exhibit will also feature rarely seen work including elaborate preparatory drawings, hand-colored originals, animation cel set-ups and lithographs.

Kim Deitch was born in Los Angeles in 1944, the eldest son of Oscar-wining animator Gene Deitch (Tom Terrific, Munro). Deitch studied at the Pratt Institute, traveled with the Norwegian Merchant Marines and worked at a mental institution before joining the burgeoning underground press in 1967. As an early contributor to the East Village Other and the editor of Gothic Blimp Works, Kim Deitch was a charter member of the underground comix scene that exploded with the 1968 publication of Robert Crumb’s Zap #1. Forty years later, he stands alongside Crumb, Bill Griffith, Aline Kominsky-Crumb, and Art Spiegelman as one the most notable and prolific artists to emerge from that milieu. In addition to his comic books and graphic novels, Deitch’s work has appeared in venues including RAW, Weirdo, Arcade, Details, the L.A. Weekly, McSweeney’s, Nickelodeon Magazine, and The New Yorker.

“Kim Deitch’s career spans the entire post-war history of avant-garde comics, from the underground to the literary mainstream,” said exhibit curator Bill Kartalopoulos. “Deitch brilliantly weaves vast intergenerational narratives that enfold a deep history of American popular entertainment. Distinctions between fiction and reality blur in his meta-fictional world just as real madness bleeds into the visions and schemes of the artists, entertainers, and hustlers who populate his stories. The result is a rich narrative tapestry as compelling and as breathtaking as Deitch’s densely layered, tightly woven, and intricately detailed black and white comics pages.”

Deitch’s body of work stretches outward from comics to embrace a spectrum of visual-narrative modes, including extra-textual single images and illustrated prose modeled after Victorian illustrated fiction. His most recent book is Deitch’s Pictorama, a collection of illustrated fiction produced in collaboration with brothers Seth and Simon Deitch. The exhibit includes several examples of Deitch’s career-long experimentation with text/image modes.

MoCCA will publish an original poster and 1″ button featuring the “Sunshine Girl” character who stars both in Deitch’s earliest and most recent work. The Museum will also host a series of talks and events related to the exhibit.

• Exhibition dates: September 9 – December 5, 2008
• Opening Reception: September 12, 2008, 6 – 9 pm (free & open to the public).

MoCCA
594 Broadway, Suite 401, between Houston and Prince
New York, NY 10012

Last Days: Brad Holland at Penn College

Exhibitions, , ,

Brad Holland — Third Eye
Through September 14, 2008

Now considered one of the top illustrators in the world, Brad Holland became a recognized name in the print industry in the 1970’s. His revolutionary style and perceived political commentaries were a welcome change from the nostalgic illustrations of the past. His works expressed a personal approach and though the ambiguity of his work was initially controversial, he was in time embraced by the likes of Playboy and The New York Times. The trail of his drawings and paintings can be followed through a broad range of publications including Vanity Fair, Time, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, Esquire, and The Atlantic Monthly. While his unique style has evolved through the years, Holland’s approach remains consistent. He has illustrated CD covers for Ray Charles, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Billy Joel among others, and his work can be found on theater posters, on the walls of Rio Casino in Las Vegas, and in the pages of virtual magazines. He recently illustrated LaNotte di Q, for Australian author Michael Reynolds, and Pandora Books of Seville, Spain, published a book of his Spanish landscape pastels.

His works merge satire and wit with compassion and humanity, resulting in very stirring images that are stories themselves. This extensive display of Holland’s art at The Gallery at Penn College will include drawings and paintings from a variety of sources.

Brad Holland: Third Eye
Through September 14th
The Gallery at Penn College
Madigan Library, 3rd Floor
Pennsylvania College of Technology
One College Avenue
Williamsport, PA

The Global Artistry of Leo and Diane Dillon

Exhibitions, Illustration Alumni, Illustration Industry, ,

If you’re near Abilene, TX, stop by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature to catch a retrospective of Leo and Diane Dillon.  Both are respected artists and alumni of Parsons Illustration.  Here’s an excerpt from the exhibition description:

Leo Dillon and Diane Sorber were born eleven days apart in 1933-Leo in Brooklyn, New York, and Diane near Los Angeles, California. When they met at Parsons School of Design in New York City in 1954, each already aspired to a life of art. Meeting first through one another’s artwork, they immediately recognized the talent and mastery of the other. Over the years, their competitive friendship evolved into a lasting marriage and artistic partnership. “We’ve worked together for 40 years. In 1997 we celebrated our 40th anniversary and we completed our 40th book, To Every Thing There Is a Season.”

Versatility, diversity, research, and integrity have remained characteristics of the Dillons’ work, which ranges from African folktales to Scandinavian epics, from fantasy to science fiction. In addition to two Caldecott Medals (for Ashanti to Zulu and Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears), the Dillons have received four New York Times Best Illustrated Awards, four Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards, two Coretta Scott King Awards, and the Society of Illustrators Gold Medal.

Congratulations to Leo and Diane on their continuing success and artistic inspiration!

The Global Artistry of Leo and Diane Dillon
Through October 25, 2008
National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
102 Cedar
Abilene, Texas
(325) 673-4586
info@nccil.org.
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m–Free Admission

Repost and Reminder: Beautiful Losers tonight!

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Parsons Illustration Faculty Noel Claro has gotten Sidetrack Films to arrange for a special, FREE screening of the fantastic movie, Beautiful Losers for Parsons Illustration, CDT, Photo, and Fine Arts students. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity!  Here’s the official description and trailer:

BEAUTIFUL LOSERS celebrates the spirit behind one of the most influential cultural moments of a generation.

In the early 1990’s a loose-knit group of likeminded outsiders found common ground at a little NYC storefront gallery. Rooted in the DIY (do-it-yourself) subcultures of skateboarding, surf, punk, hip hop & graffiti, they made art that reflected the lifestyles they led. Developing their craft with almost no influence from the “establishment” art world, this group, and the subcultures they sprang from, have now become a movement that has been transforming pop culture.

Starring a selection of artists who are considered leaders within this culture, Beautiful Losers focuses on the telling of personal stories. It speaks to themes of what happens when the outside becomes “in” as it explores the creative ethos connecting these artists and today’s youth.

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.680661&w=425&h=350&fv=clip_id%3D1324674%26server%3Dvimeo.com%26autoplay%3D0%26fullscreen%3D1%26md5%3D%26show_portrait%3D0%26show_title%3D0%26show_byline%3D0%26context%3D%26context_id%3D]

There are still tickets left–this screening is open to all Illustration, Photo, CDT, and Fine Arts students at Parsons. So drop by and pick up your pass!

Beautiful Losers
T. Lang Center
55 W. 13th, 2nd Floor
7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 9th
Free tickets available in the Illustration Office (806, 2 W. 13th)

Hanoch Piven at Society of Illustrators

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Hanoch Piven, renowned illustrator and creative force will be presenting a lecture at the Society of Illustrators next week.  Piven uses found objects to create three-dimensional artworks and is known for his educational workshops.

Hear him speak:

Wednesday, September 10th
6:30 – 9:00pm
Society of Illustrators
128 East 63 Street, NYC

Mr. Piven will also be conducting a workshop called FOUND OBJECTS PORTRAITS at Materials for the Arts, NY’s premier reuse center on September 11, 2008, from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Beautiful Losers screening at Parsons!

Current Students, Events, Illustration Dept. Events, Illustration Industry, News, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Parsons Illustration Faculty Noel Claro has gotten Sidetrack Films to arrange for a special, FREE screening of the fantastic movie, Beautiful Losers. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity!  Here’s the official description and trailer:

BEAUTIFUL LOSERS celebrates the spirit behind one of the most influential cultural moments of a generation.

In the early 1990’s a loose-knit group of likeminded outsiders found common ground at a little NYC storefront gallery. Rooted in the DIY (do-it-yourself) subcultures of skateboarding, surf, punk, hip hop & graffiti, they made art that reflected the lifestyles they led. Developing their craft with almost no influence from the “establishment” art world, this group, and the subcultures they sprang from, have now become a movement that has been transforming pop culture.

Starring a selection of artists who are considered leaders within this culture, Beautiful Losers focuses on the telling of personal stories. It speaks to themes of what happens when the outside becomes “in” as it explores the creative ethos connecting these artists and today’s youth.

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.680661&w=425&h=350&fv=clip_id%3D1324674%26server%3Dvimeo.com%26autoplay%3D0%26fullscreen%3D1%26md5%3D%26show_portrait%3D0%26show_title%3D0%26show_byline%3D0%26context%3D%26context_id%3D]

There are still tickets left–this screening is open to all Illustration, Photo, CDT, and Fine Arts students at Parsons. So drop by and pick up your pass!

Beautiful Losers
T. Lang Center
55 W. 13th, 2nd Floor
7 p.m.
Tuesday, September 9th
Free
Tickets available in the Illustration Office

Illustration Alums in Dark Pop show

Events, Exhibitions, Illustration Alumni, Illustration Industry, , , ,

Dark Pop: a guest-curated show by Andrew Michael Ford goes up at Last Rites Gallery this week.  Here’s the official description:

Last Rites Gallery and guest curator Andrew Michael Ford (director of Ad Hoc Art, curator of Deep Pop) have decided to find out what several of today’s brightest art stars are capable of when asked to create ONE piece of what could be considered truly ‘dark art’. Many artists find themselves in a nice groove of creating a certain mood or emotion through their work and have, understandably, become quite comfortable following this path in their art-making. We were curious, however, what would happen if things were to get a little uncomfortable, as the artist challenged themselves to search through new or buried feelings and emotions, the kind which might find their place on the ‘darker’ side of the artistic spectrum. With that in mind, Last Rites Gallery and guest curator Andrew Michael Ford proudly present “Dark Pop”: A collection of truly ‘dark art’ from an incredibly talented and diverse group of artists who would normally never get anywhere near this stuff! The results, we believe, are nothing short of astounding!

Artists include: Ron English, Isabel Samaras (Illustration Alum), Gary Taxali, Esao Andrews, Nicole Steen, Yoko D’holbachie, Nathan Lee Picket (Illustration Alum) and more.  Go check out it out!

Dark Pop
Opening Reception: Saturday, 9/6/08, 7:00pm-11:00pm.
Show runs September 6th thru October 11th.
Last Rites Gallery
511 W. 33rd Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues (3 blocks from Penn Station), 3rd floor
212.529.0666


1st Sundays featuring R. Sikoryak

Events, Illustration Alumni, Illustration Faculty, Illustration Industry, , ,

1st SUNDAYS COMEDY FILM FESTIVAL
Special Howl Festival Show
featuring Arts of the East Village and the Lower East Side

“Videos by Dale Goodson”
written and directed by Dale Goodson
East Village poet, comedian and filmmaker Dale Goodson
presents works from days gone by, as well as a world premiere.

“Masterpiece Comics”
written & directed by R. Sikoryak (Parsons Illustration Alum & Faculty member!)
Literary masterpieces and comics as you’ve never seen them before.
(In glorious Powerpoint!)

“Masters of the Universe”
written and directed by Kevin Maher
Kevin Maher bares a bit of his soul.  And plays the bongos.

“Why, Grandma?”
written and directed by Chandler Simms
Part of the “Wanna Be a Star” contest, starring audience member Polina Roytman!

Sunday, September 7th, 6:00pm
at the BOWERY POETRY CLUB
308 Bowery (between Houston and Bleecker)
$10 ($7.00 for students)

Updated: The Panorama Project 3 at Jonathan Levine

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The Panorama Project 3: 134 artists, one continuous piece
curated by Jordin Isip (Parsons Illustration Faculty)
and Rodger Stevens (Parsons Illustration Faculty and Alum)
September 6th—October 4th, 2008
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 6th, 7pm—9pm
Jonathan Levine Gallery, NYC

The Panorama Project 3 is a group exhibition featuring commissioned works by over one hundred artists, which will be combined to create a single collective artwork and a site-specific installation. This show will be the latest in a series of large-scale group exhibitions curated by New York based artists Jordin Isip and Rodger Stevens. Since 2001, they have been bringing together an ever-expanding network of painters, sculptors, illustrators, designers, photographers, and video makers to create conceptually and visually unconventional group projects. Some of the original participants included: Doze Green, Chris Johanson, Misaki Kawai, Barry McGee, Georgie Stout, and Eric White.This exhibition is a variation on one of their earliest efforts.  It creates a single, continuous work, comprised of one hundred and thirty-four individual pieces.

The participating artists each received a 7” x  5” wooden panel, on which to create their portion of the installation, with one requirement:each work had to include some manner of horizontal line or division, set at 1-3/4” from the bottom of the board. This common visual device allows each of the separate pieces, when installed together side by side, to cohere into one long contiguous image**a panorama, encircling the entire gallery space. With no knowledge of what would appear on either side of their panel, each artist had the freedom to interpret the line in their own unique way. The installation creates a grand and unpredictable visual synthesis, in a monumental iteration of the exquisite corpse concept. Bringing together artists from so many disparate fields, unlikely to ever appear in the same exhibition space at the same time, this show creates an opportunity for lively experimentation and unexpected results, inspiring innovation while working within a set of prescribed limitations.

The show features a whole plethora of Parsons faculty and alums including:

Yong Choe
Carl Dunn
Ingo Fast
Johanna Goodman
Chesiel John
Andy Kehoe
Hiro Kurata
Liz Lee
Chang Park (faculty)
Jeff Quinn (faculty)
Jessica Ward
Noel Claro
William Buzzell
AJ Fosik
Eddie del Rosario (faculty)
James Gallagher (faculty)
Cat Lauigan
Philip Fivel Nessen
Jordin Isip (faculty)
Rodger Stevens (faculty)

ABOUT THE CURATORS

Jordin Isip is from Queens, NY and has lived in Brooklyn since graduating with a BFA from Rhode Island School of Design. He makes artwork for both publication and gallery walls. His work has appeared in numerous publications including: The Atlantic Monthly, Juxtapoz, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, and Time. He has curated over a dozen group exhibitions including Mystery Meat at Future Prospects (Phillipines), Scab on My Brain at Space 1026 (Philadelphia), and A Piece Apart at Aidan Savoy (NYC).

Rodger Stevens was born in Brooklyn NY. He studied at the School of Visual Arts and Parsons School of Design, where he currently teaches. His sculptures, installations, and drawings have been exhibited in galleries and museums in New York and abroad and he has been commissioned by numerous institutions including: The Whitney Museum of Art, Tiffany&Co, The Rockwell Group, W Hotel, Sotheby’s, and MTV. His work has been featured in publications such as Art&Antiques, Harper’sBazaar, Elle Decor, and The New York Times.

The Panorama Project 3
September 6th—October 4th, 2008
Jonathan Levine Gallery
529 W. 20th Street, 9E
New York, NY 10011