Posted in: Comics, Recent Updates | Tagged: Comics, entertainment, jamie hewlett, london

Jamie Hewlett's Art For The British Library's Comics Unmasked, On Display

Published Fri, 14 Mar 2014 05:03:12 -0500

Last updated Fri, 14 Mar 2014 05:03:23 -0500

We've been talking about the upcoming Comics Unmasked exhibition at the British Library for some time. Running from 2nd May to 19th August and curated by Man At The Crossroads, Paul Gravett and John Harris Dunning, they've just launched their poster art for the exhibition, by Tank Girl and Gorillaz' Jamie Hewlett.

And because this is comics, it is available in two panels. Clicky for biggy.

The Library says,

Comics Unmasked traces the history of the British comic book and explores how comics and graphic novels have uncompromisingly addressed such subjects as violence, sexuality and drugs, breaking social boundaries with the innovative form that marries literature and visual art.

This exciting new commission shows a moody, caped female, equipped with hipflask and knuckle duster, in an alley way after vanquishing a generic super hero, shown dazed on the floor (with St Pancras station just visible in the background). The new artwork, which will appear on the exhibition poster around the country and as a six metre high graphic installation in the Library, aptly represents the key ideas around sedition that are at the heart of the forthcoming show. A second image (pictured) has also been produced, creating a digital two-panel comic to celebrate the exhibition.

Comics Unmasked particularly highlights the trend set internationally by British comic creators, whereby comics are used to subvert and challenge stereotypes. The exhibition features original artwork and video montage of Jamie Hewlett's most celebrated creations, 'Tank Girl' and 'Gorillaz', alongside other exciting examples of original British comic art.

Here's how it looks in situ.

The exhibition is recommended for 16s and over because of some of the more explicit works on display, and the first dates of events around the exhibition are up. No schedule yet for the Comiket comics mart being planned for the Library, much to the chagrin of some folk trying to plan their appearances, but I understand we'll know more soon. Tickets can be booked here – Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK. Standard Adult £9.50, Gift Aid £10.50, Senior 60 plus £7.50, Under 18s free, other concessions available.

Here are a few of the exhibits…