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History of CaricatureBACKGROUND:Caricature art has a long history dating back to the days of Leonardo da Vinci to modern times as a major art form. But it is an art form that is often misunderstood. It is an enormously popular art form-and yet it is also very under-rated. In fact, at one time to openly discuss caricature as "art" was considered a silly presumption worthy of ridicule. In the intervening years, however, recognition and acceptance has fertilized the soil and this unique art form is apart of the cultural establishment. Why, consider caricature artist Anita Kunz! Her caricature paintings had a solo display at the Library of Congress! How more "establishment" can you get than that? Now, in a culture warmed by serious adult attention, caricature artists can attempt new growth in an area that formally was look down upon. Humor was considered "lowbrow"-and it was exactly this kind of thinking that has prevented caricaturists from enjoying a position closer to the top of the hierarchy. No, Bohemian Odyssey is not about amusement park caricature artists who whip off a fast marker sketch for a few bucks. This is one reason why, among other setbacks, caricature art has been dealt a deadly blow by art historians and by art critics. There has been a battle among caricaturists and the snob "art Guardians" in art history, but this art form has thrived-and that's why this project is called BOHEMIAN ODYSSEY! But I do not need to defend the medium. Critically important works like Understanding Comics or Sebastian Kruger's STARS or Art Spiegelman's Pulitzer for MAUS stand on their own-anybody who does not consider this worthy of artistic relevance is sleeping as the wheel! (I should also mention here my own forthcoming coffee-table book-- "Icons and Idols"). The documentary film Bohemian Odyssey seeks not only to educate art fans about this amazing art form, but to also astound and entertain. It must be stressed that the art that would appear in Bohemian Odyssey is so fantastically stunning and original that it demands an audience! Bohemian Odyssey would be the definitive documentary. MARKET APPLEL:Today, the popularity of caricature-and indeed other comic art forms-is all around us! This is not only evident by the sheer popularity of "adult" shows like the Simpsons, South Park among many others. Let's not forget the critically acclaimed documentary films Crumb (the underground artist who now enjoys mainstream appeal) and Comic Confidential. There is also an organization in the U.S. called the National Caricature Network (NCN for short) that celebrates caricature art. On the recent front: Let's not forget about Robert Pulcini's film adaptation of Harvey Pekar's underground comic series. Of course, these are just a few examples. BOHEMIAN ODYSSEY is all encompassing in its focus about caricature art. This film will appeal to both art buffs and "culture buffs"-- given the various historic figures and icons who are the unwitting subjects of the artists pointed pencils. Bohemian Odyssey is a documentary that will not only appeal to geeky teens that sniff air plane glue (kidding aside) it will captivate all intelligent men and women from all walks of life (and even art historians will find it edifying). Bohemian Odyssey has both snob and mob appeal. STYLE:BOHEMIAN ODYSSEY will move through a roughly chronological storyline, hitting major moments in the long history of caricature art. The history of caricature art, it should be noted, is often spotted with controversy. This challenging art has often found itself caught in the political crosshairs of the powerful and continues to be step on toes to this day. This portion of the show will be guided by visuals of famous artist's work (such as Leonardo da Vinci who is not noted in history as a caricature artist, but who nevertheless experimented in this art form!) and by a voice-over narrative. Many historic facts about this art form will be swift but always interesting. MODERN FAMOUS ARTISTS:More importantly, Bohemian Odyssey will provide the opportunity to see modern caricature artists discussing their work and their ideas about humor, caricature and art in general. The flow of the film will alternate back and forth between the historical retrospective and the interviews in a logical format as subject matter dictates. The show will consist of informal interviews with diverse artists so that we may discover what makes these rare men and women tick, what inspires them, and why they caricature in the first place. The interview subjects will consist of modern caricaturists who are either famous or (semi-famous) or who are simply noted for their exceptional technique and innovative ideas. The show will allow each artist just enough time to get across what he or she brings to the medium that is unique and interesting. Naturally, as each artist speaks, we will have ample examples to view the artist's work. Bohemian Odyssey will not spoon feed any one philosophy about caricature art. Rather, the viewer will be offered broad facts about its history, but we will listen to various ideas and opinions expressed by very different caricature artists and come to our own conclusion about caricature art. This much is for sure: BOHEMIAM ODYSSEY will be exciting, edgy and modern. It will appeal to the heart, the mind and the eye. The viewer will be amazed and awed by the stunning art work. The viewer will learn why caricature art is a crucial and undeniable element of modern culture. Thank you! The human heart trusts the caricature -- which is all opinion," even though we may not agree with the caricaturist about the particular subject. Find more educational material:
Royoung Bookseller: A History of Caricature. by Lynch, Bohun. Political Cartoons of the Lilly Library history of caricature. As ... www.indiana.edu/~liblilly/cartoon/cartoons.html
LOUIS COLLINS BOOKS ABAA: A History of Caricature and Grotesque in ...
... Title: A History of Caricature and Grotesque in Literature and Art A History of Caricature and Grotesque in Literature and Art. by ... Wright, Thomas. A History of Caricature and Grotesque in Literature and Art. London: Virtue Brothers, [1865]. FW Fairholt, Engraver. Marbled endpapers. ... www.art-books.com/cgi-bin/artbooks/99-0093.html Gombrich on Caricature section 3 ... D. Low, Ye Madde Designer, London, 1935. B. Lynch, A History of Caricature, London, 1926. T. Wright, A History of Caricature, London, 1865. ... www.newcastle.edu.au/discipline/ fine-art/pubs/ernst/gombrich3.html George Glazer Gallery - Natural History Collectors Caricature - Matters of Taste No. 1 George Glazer Gallery, New York City. Antique prints, maps and globes. Natural History Collectors Caricature - Matters of Taste No. 1. ... www.georgeglazer.com/archives/ prints/genre/mattersoftaste.html
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