R. Crumb's Underground
R. Crumb's Underground is an eclectic exhibition of work spanning the past four decades by the inimitable R. Crumb. Included are collaborations old and new, and the world premiere of Crumb's "spool" drawings. Universally acknowledged as a founder - and the most prominent figure - of the underground comic scene, Crumb gained cult popularity for his piorneering Zap Comix and mainstream stardom with the Terry Zwigoff documentary Crumb.
His comics and sketchbook drawings are masterfully rendered, lack self-censorship, and are unapologetic to polite society. They offer a profound cultural critique filtered through a demanding psychological self-reflection. In addition to reinventing and shaping the comic genre, Crumb's drawings have cross-pollinated - influencing myriad other fine art disciplines. Collaborators in the exhibition include Erna Burger, Charles Crumb, Sophie Crumb, Clay Geerdes, Rick Griffin, Aline Kominsky-Crumb, Jay Lynch, Victor Moscoso, Harvey Pekar, Gilbert Shelton, Spain Rodriguez, Robert Williams, Skip Williamson, and S. Clay Wilson.
R. Crumb's Underground has been organized by Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, and curated by Todd Hignite.
SEE THE EXHIBITION
Through March 7, 2009
Stephen D. Paine Gallery
WHAT CRITICS ARE SAYING
Greg Cook from The Boston Phoenix writes: "Robert Crumb is one of the greatest artists ever. It's as simple as that." Read more.
Sebastian Smee from The Boston Globe writes: "Crumb is so funny because he makes you nervous. One second his imaginings seem utterly uncensored... and the next they are the last word in poker-faced parody. Very often, they're both at the same time; and so, disoriented, out-smarted, you have nothing left to do but laugh." Read more.
You can also read reviews from the MetroWest Daily News and BerkshireFineArts.com.