Spring 2012 exhibitions will explore the history and array of the Graphic Novel as an art form.
March 20 - May 25
Francisco Goya: Satirical Caprices
Selections from Goya's Los Caprichos, originally published as a bound portfolio in 1799. The artist himself described the target of his metaphoric caricatures as "the innumerable foibles and follies to be found in any civilized society, and the common prejudices and deceitful practices which custom, ignorance, or self-interest have made usual." Curated by Museum Assistant Director Peter B. Olson.
Graphic Novel Realism: Backstage at the Comics
Features the work of cutting-edge creators of non-traditional, full-lengh graphic novels displaying examples of their work as well as original source materials explaining their inspirations and working process. Artists include: Joyce Farmer, Jaime Hernandez, Paul Karasik, Jason Lutes, Mark Newgarden & Megan Montague Cash, Seth, & James Sturm. Guest Curated by graphic novelist, artist and former co-editor of Raw, Paul Karasik.
April 5 - May 5, 2012
The Golden Age of Wordless Novels and Artist Illustrated Books: 1917 - 1951
Explores how for a few decades, taking advantage of the revival of relief printmaking, artists in Europe and North America created powerful works that reached broad and international audiences by disseminating their work through established book publishing companies.
The Graphic Novel: An Interpretive History
Explores the history of the graphic novel, tracing its history to sequential narrative in medieval tapestry, early Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, and stained glass church windows, and looking at 18th/19th century figures William Blake and Rudolphe Topffer, and early to mid 20th century key players including Frans masereel, Lynd Ward, Milt Gross, and Virginia Lee Burton.
These last two exhibitions will be organized with students enrolled in Museum Exhibitions and Interpretation, a graduate-level Museum Studies course taught by Peter Van Ael.