Neal Adams:The Art of Comic Book Art

This might be something of interest. There are those individuals historically and culturally ranking at the top of every human endeavor. Artists, politicians, scientists…those worthy of note. I recently joined the Neal Adams Appreciation Page on Facebook and have blogged about him here before. In the field of comic book art and graphic story-telling serving both as writer and illustrator Neal Adams remains consistently at the top. He is without doubt my personal favorite and probably among any list of the top three “All Time” favorites imaginable in this remarkably crowded field. Neal Adams: The Best-Ever-All Time!

The first illustration (top of page) from Batman Comics shows off his depth of cover illustration. The sense of urgency, the lighting and minimalist composition is shocking and intriguing to the viewer. It is a must read. What is the meaning of this unsolvable conundrum? How and why would Batman kill himself Bruce Wayne?

This next drawing is from Adam’s run on The Spectre Comics. It is a work that I am convinced belongs in the collection of MoMA or The Whitney. It should hang alongside Warhol, Lichtenstein and Johns. The composition is “perfection” the drama, shock, word placement and draftsmanship are all notable. This is among the finest that “Pop Art” has to offer. 

This is exactly what Adam’s does best; like no other (below). This page is original in design, layout and is cinematic in form. The dramatic lighting and attention to detail in the close-up portrait is amazing. His command of tool is masterful.

The Art of Neal Adams literally sings like no other. His is a treasure that to those who love and cherish his works is unsurpassed in an abundant field of brilliance.

In a Time of Sorrow: Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

 Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec as Pierrot

Within the short span of the last sixteen months the Nation of France has been struck with three sobering, disastrous and murderous attacks. In this climate of uncertainty and mourning we reflect and pray as we of many nations look for solace, strength and understanding. A lesser nation than France might succumb to the senseless, wanton disregard for peace, liberty and the joy of living all people of good will seek to enjoy. The French are an exceptional people who will not succumb. Neither will the free world as we have to try to look away from the insanity toward the light of possibility. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec’s life and work remain a beacon of light for the entire world. The Artist Lautrec is one of France’s national treasures. 

Toulouse-Lautrec; a man possessing personal resolve and character celebrated the passions and joys of living in spite of personal obstacles. We will look to his work for it’s greatness and glory…this, as our hearts and spirits weep.

My first encounter with the art of Toulouse-Lautrec was when I walked into the “Art” department at my high school in South Western Virginia.  On the wall at the entrance amid the plaster casts, drawing tables and pottery wheels was a seemingly gigantic poster reading Moulin Rouge, Moulin Rouge, Moulin Rouge. The poster colorfully featured dancer La Goulue and the patrons of the world famous establishment in a moment of feverous excitement. I was at the time and remain transfixed by the work’s exquisite beauty, sense of style and most importantly daring nature.   Seeing it would be the greatest lesson I would ever receive in art. I had never experienced anything as lovely as this! I knew I was going to enjoy my journey into this larger world of art, history, culture and contemporary fashion. 

                                                             


I would take much from my beautiful and exuberant young teacher; Mrs. Wonderly. The Moulin Rouge poster was her own and not the schools. It was a way of enriching her student’s lives and adding her own flair to our class room. We would work and learn while the music of the day; Santana, Led Zeppelin, James Taylor and Cher played in the background.  Our lessons included not only the importance of technique but an enhanced and enriched way of seeing along with a genuine love of this most indescribable addiction;  Art.

Toulouse-Lautrec draftsmanship, skill and dedication were central to the teachings of Mrs. Wonderly and in turn our learning. Lautrec’s uniquely distinctive abilities, his tolerance in living and his triumphant joy over life’s obstacles are a reminder of all that is good in this world and in humanity. The wit and wonder of the man is a beacon of the best a single person can offer…a beacon in a time of sorrow.      

The WONDER WOMAN Trivia Game

Wonder Woman has been an ongoing cultural icon and pop superstar for years. She is a true character for the ages ranking among the best known characters of fiction including Laura Croft, Sherlock Homes, Huck Finn and Mother Goose. I wrote about Wonder Woman; her cultural importance and her mystery in a blog last year.“WONDER WOMAN & the Endurance of the Modern Myth.”  She continues to thrive in our hearts and minds as a figure of high regard, reverence and great influence.

A single blog should never hold all the history of an idea like Wonder Woman so I am revisiting her with a trivia quiz I created to amuse my friends. Take a look and see how well you are acquainted with the original…Wonder Woman!

1. Wonder Woman’s plane:

A-IS INVISIBLE

B-CAN ONLY FLY SHORT DISTANCES

C-WAS A GIFT FROM ZEUS

D-IS A CONVERTED P-51 MUSTANG

2. Wonder Woman was created in an effort to:

        A. HELP YOUNG BOYS GET THROUGH PUBERTY

        B. INSPIRE THE US MILITARY TROOPS

         C. BECOME A ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNG GIRLS

         D. HELP SELL LADIES UNDERWARE

3. Wonder Woman’s origin story tells us she was:

            A. A CLAY SCULPTURE BROUGHT TO LIFE 

      B. TELE-PORTED FROM MT. OLYMPUS

      C. FOUND BY HER MOTHER; QUEEN HIPPOLYTA, AS AN ORPHAN

      D. A YOUNG GIRL THAT DRANK A MAGIC POITION

4. Wonder Woman‘s creator; Charles Moulton also:

    A.  WAS A WWII FIGHTER PILOT

    B. INVENTED THE LIE DETECTOR MACHINE

    C. RAN FOR PRESIDENT

    D. DEVELOPED THE MEDICATION BEN-GAY

5. Wonder Woman was portrayed on TV by:

A. LINDA LYNDA

B. LINDA HAMILTON

C. LINDSIE GRAHAM

D. LYNDA CARTER

6. Wonder Woman has been romantically linked to:

    A. THE ELONGATED MAN

    B. WONDERMAN

    C. SUPERMAN

    D. MIDNIGHTER

Ian Cheng: Emissary in the Squat of Gods

One measure of good art is that it engages you into becoming part of a conversation that began with a given creator speaking through a particular medium of choice. Such a piece then grows with comprehension and involvement as we become engrossed. The work often takes on a life of it’s own and we are in turn transformed within the process.  Ian Cheng is an artist who does all of the for-mentioned as he welcomes the viewer into his universe and goes beyond to uncharted places.

Cheng began his artistic journey as a video story teller but wanted to take his work to a place not yet quite charted. He focused on a new video language that depended not on narrative but on something more akin to artificial intelligence.  Ian Cheng’s Animation Simulations are mutating, evolving algorithms that act, interact and exist within worlds that constantly and unpredictably change as they flow in real time with elements playing in unison and against each other.    

It was as a portion of an exhibition “Suspended Animation” at The Hirshhorn in Washington DC that was my introduction to this artist whose work I would come to revere; Ian Cheng. Other artists were featured including Helen Martin, Ed Atkins and Josh Kline; all impressive. Cheng was the stand out. His revolutionary piece “Emissary in the Squat of Gods” was on view where I stopped to take it in and to see just what was going on with this wall projection complete with sound, light, nuance and intrigue. 

The characters seemed to be villagers in a minimally technological society placed on a rugged hill top and viewed from a distance giving the impression of looking through the eyes of an anthropological perspective. The scene; even though it seemed sedentary at the onset was actually slowly rotating as if on an axis. The characters were definitely responding in an unscripted manner and there was a (What will happen next?) feel to the visible actions.  There was also; after an extended amount of viewing time, a changing of the light from twilight into night and greater darkness. This was an amazing something to witness. I could easily imagine the figures of the simulation becoming sentient if indeed they weren’t at this time already.

Ian Cheng’s work lies eerily at the intersection between art, technology, the fantastic and myth. Cheng; an artist squarely in his formative years promises an unlimited foray into the visible and the invisible. We’ll take the journey with him. Where does he emerge? Time… is our only teller.  

Zaha Hadid: Architect for the Ages

1950 - 2016

Very recently the visionary architect Zaha Hadid passed into eternity. Her works have already resided in hearts, minds and physically in an earthly space of an eternal admiration. Her buildings bend, twist and elegantly flow like no others. These compelling, masterful achievements attest to her strength, purpose and love of process and humanity. She will be missed as her works stand; surely, the test of time.

                                    

                                   “I find industrial cities exciting. I like their toughness.”

                                                                                                                  Zaha Hadid

Yes; MS Hadid was an architect carrying the respect and acknowledgement of her peers. The honor of being the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize was hers; the pinnacle of success in her field.  She was also awarded the Stirling Prize and the RIBA Gold Medal. She remains much admired and loved by all who experience and enjoy her buildings.

Hadid was equally a fabulous designer of furniture, shoes and cars. Her flair for style was great and original. Her drawings and paintings were works of beauty, intrigue and High Art. I was able to see several of her pieces at Design Miami as part of Art Basel Miami. This was a personal high-light. 

“I'm into fashion because it contains the mood of the day, of the moment - like music, literature, and art.”                                                                                                                                        Zaha Hadid

                                                                                                                                             

   

                                                                                                                                       

There was greatness in Zaha Hadid; we saw it in her life and works. Everything she touched became a treasure. She will be missed. In times future those who speak of Eiffel, Wright, Koolhaas and Gehry will speak too of Hadid.  

Don Cheadle's MILES AHEAD

Don Cheadle has delivered a beautiful love letter to Miles Davis, Davis fans and all who cherish good story telling in the form of cinema. I had the immense pleasure of viewing this; the directorial debut of Mr. Cheadle with members of the press and supporting Indie-gogo contributors.  Cheadle; a member of   the fraternity of actors that always give remarkable; flawless performances, shines here in the lead. The work was compelling funny, balanced and of a very high caliber. We see Miles with all his attributes and flaws (which are vividly the spice of every life) in this sophisticated, funny and emotional film. “Miles Ahead” is pure, cinematic joy!  

The Columbia music and recording years of Miles Davis are featured heavily here in remarkable style. Cheadle uses flash backs in scenes that blend seamlessly from the films present into the memory and reminiscing of the main character. The film is placed within a five year period that Miles withdrew from performing and recording. The artistic and varied Davis album covers feature as much as the music as bridges between the many narratives revealed in both the truths and mythologies of Miles.       

                   

Ewan McGregor portrays a Rolling stone reporter that within his attempts to interview Miles becomes a cohort in retrieving stolen come back tapes Davis had recently recorded. They develop a kind of “Butch and Sundance” comradery that drives much of the storyline. Actress Emayatzi Corinealdi; stuns, as Francis Taylor the wife and muse of Davis.  Taylor was pivotal to the life of the man and Corinealdi portrays her as the grand passion she must have been.   Another highlight is the performance of an All-Star band featuring actual former Miles Side Men; Herbie Handcock and Wayne Shorter along with contemporary greats Esperanza Spalding, Gary Clark Jr. and Antonio Sanchez.  

Don Cheadle has created a “crowd pleaser” of a film that has every potential of becoming a legitimate hit.  “Miles Ahead” a visionary homage, completely satisfies and makes me look forward to the next Cheadle project. For all its worth; something for which I am already on board; something certain to be another tremendous, roller-coaster of a ride. “Miles Ahead” is not to be soon be forgotten...Oscars?