A NEW COMIC EXHIBITION OPENS UP IN FENWICK
By Dinanda Pramesti, Lifestyle Editor
A new comic exhibition, “Our Comics, Ourselves” curated by Jan Descartes and Monica McKelvey Johnson from Brooklyn, has opened up in Fenwick from August 21 until October 6th displaying a variety of comic books, graphic novels, and zines that cater to diverse groups. Most of the groups that are expressed in these comics are minority groups whose artistic work and identity are not always represented.
For example, the works explore LGBTQ themes, feminism, abortion, racism, cultural identity, immigration, along with a plethora of other themes. They portray the complex intersections between people’s identities to explain that we do not live single-issue lives. “‘Our Comics, Ourselves’” presents the stories that describe the complexity and diversity of our collective experience,” per the website.
The comics and graphic novels were from 1945 up until present day, primarily from the United States. It examines and tackles social issues that developed during those eras.
Along with the exhibition, comes plenty of events, lectures, and workshops that is held at Mason and Washington, DC. Such events are:
Our Comics, Ourselves: Curator’s Talk and Opening Reception
Friday, September 15, 6-9pm
Fenwick Library Reading Room / Fenwick Gallery
Our Comics, Ourselves: Comics for Breakfast with Ed Luce
Monday, September 18, 10:00am
Fenwick Library Reading Room
Our Comics, Ourselves: Art World/Comic World with Edie Fake
Thursday, September 21, 2:00pm
Fenwick Library Reading Room
Our Comics, Ourselves: D.I.Y. Comics & Zines Workshop
Thursday, September 28, 2-4pm
Gateway Library, Johnson Center
Fantom Comics: Local Authors Reading
Saturday, September 30, 7:00pm
Fantom Comics, 2010 P Street NW, Washington D.C.
Our Comics, Ourselves: Keynote and Closing Reception with Spike Trotman
Tuesday, October 3, time TBA
The HUB Ballroom, George Mason University
