WILMINGTON, DE.- The Delaware Art Museum announces Edward Koren: The Capricious Line will be on view June 25 September 18, 2016. This exhibition celebrates the five-decade career of renowned cartoonist and long-standing contributor to The New Yorker Edward Koren (born 1935) and features approximately 50 original drawings, many on display for the first time.
Korens cartoons encompass an eclectic set of themes which he tackles with his wry, astute criticism. With over 1,000 cartoons published in The New Yorker since 1962, Korens distinctive style and relatable characters deftly articulate the neuroses of contemporary society. Touching on a diverse set of issues ranging from parenting to mans relationship to nature, Koren creates brief moments that portray mans awkward rapport with the world around us. In contrast to other cartoonists political caricatures, Korens decidedly non-confrontational tone uses psychological acuteness and philosophical provocation to elicit laughs and stimulate thought.
The exhibition complements the Museums extensive holdings of American illustration from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which are also on view in the permanent collection galleries, says Mary F. Holahan, Curator of Illustration/Curator of Outlooks Exhibitions. The Capricious Line not only honors the accomplishments of this beloved cartoonist but also asserts his status as an artist.
The full-scale, heavyweight ink drawings which have, up until now, been experienced only as postcard sized images in the pages of the The New Yorker highlight Korens mastery of drawing. Korens art is all about drawing and the imaginative worlds it can unveil and record. Through this impressive collection of works, Koren shares the sheer fun and joy of drawing with his audiences. These innovative illustrations demonstrate the psychological, philosophical, and comical talents of Korens pen.
Curated by Diane Fane and David Rosand, this traveling exhibition was developed by the Wallach Art Gallery at Columbia University and organized for tour by International Arts & Artists, Washington D.C. The exhibition will tour at Syracuse University Art Galleries, Syracuse, NY from October 28, 2016 December 23, 2016.
Born in New York City, Koren attended the Horace Mann School and Columbia University. He completed graduate work in etching and engraving with S.W. Hayter at Atelier 17 in Paris, and received an M.F.A. degree from the Pratt Institute. Koren pursued his love of cartooning while on the faculty of Brown University.
Edward Koren received a Doctor of Humane Letters Degree from Union College, and was a John Simon Guggenheim Fellow. In 2003 he was appointed Distinguished Visitor at The American Academy in Berlin, Germany. In 2007 he received The Vermont Governors Award for Excellence in the Arts. For over 24 years, he has actively participated in the Brookfield, VT, Volunteer Fire Department. He lives in Vermont with his family.