Comics News
Preview of Dave McKean’s WWI Original Graphic Novel
McKean Shows Off His Black Dog
♦ A selection of previously unseen artwork and the names of international musical collaborators have been announced in advance of the world premiere performance of Black Dog – the Dreams of Paul Nash by Dave McKean in May.
Co-commissioned by the Lakes International Comic Art Festival and 14-18 NOW, the UK’s official arts programme for the First World War centenary, Black Dog – The Dreams of Paul Nash is a multimedia performance and new graphic novel by illustrator, comic artist, filmmaker and musician Dave McKean.
The artwork showcases Dave McKean’s diverse illustrative style and provides an insight into his interpretation of Paul Nash’s First World War artworks.
Dave McKean is one of the iconic figures of the UK comic art world and has led the way in cross art form collaborations. Dave McKean will feature the graphic novel artwork in his new performance at Kendal Town Hall on 28th May 2016 as part of the 14-18 NOW programme.
Musical collaborators performing include Matthew Sharp who has performed worldwide as a solo cellist, baritone and actor. Matthew has given solo performances at the Glastonbury and Latitude festivals, as well as performing with many international orchestras.
Ashley Slater is a UK-based trombone player and singer, best known for his work with Fatboy Slim, Norman Cook and the band Freak Power. He has also recently performed with Elvis Costello and Debbie Harry.
The evening will feature projections, animated illustrations, live music and narration, along with artwork from the Black Dog graphic novel which will also be launched on the evening, with a collector’s edition available to purchase on the night.
Black Dog explores the work of Paul Nash, one of the most important British artists of the twentieth century, whose First World War experiences inspired him to create paintings of disturbing, lasting power.
Jenny Waldman, Director, 14-18 NOW, said:
“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Lakes International Comic Art Festival to present this unique performance and new graphic novels by the hugely talented Dave McKean. 14-18 NOW aims to encourage people to pause and reflect on the impact of the First World War through art, and it is wonderful that we are able to give visitors to, and residents of, the Lake District the chance to do this.”
Julie Tait, Director, Lakes International Comic Art Festival, said:
“The quality of the artwork Dave McKean is producing for Black Dog – the Dreams of Paul Nash is truly astonishing. We are thrilled to be bringing the world premiere performance to Kendal; this is a major new work by one of the most creative minds in the comic world.”
• Tickets for the premiere in Kendal on 28th May 2016 are available through the Brewery Arts Centre box office (tel: 01539 725 133) or website. Additional performances will be held in France over the summer before the performance returns to Cumbria for the graphic novel launch in October.
• For more about 14-18 NOW visit: www.1418now.org.uk
• For Lakes Comic Art Festival, contact: Julie Tait: julie@kendalartsinternational.com
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