Seattle Twist

Opens Saturday January 12 at Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery in Seattle.

The youth rebellion of the 1960s produced some of the most stunning artwork and graphics of the 20th century. Four decades later, this imagery still resonates. The artists of this era will be featured prominently in Seattle at the dawn of 2008. The Frye Art Museum will host “R. Crumb’s Underground” opening January 26. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery will endeavor to place Crumb’s work in historical context with the exhibition “Rebel Visions: The Underground Comix Revolution” opening January 12, continuing through February 6, 2008.

Based on the book of the same title by comix historian and archivist Patrick Rosenkranz, in association with Fantagraphics resident curator Larry Reid, “Rebel Visions” will feature relics, artwork and artifacts by an impressive array of Underground era cartoonists: Justin Green, Rick Griffin, Greg Irons, Robert Williams and S. Clay Wilson, among others.

Patrick Rosenkranz is the author of two books on Underground Comix. In addition to Rebel Vision (Fantagraphics Books, Seattle, 2003), he wrote You Call This Art?!: A Greg Irons Retrospective (Fantagraphics Books, Seattle, 2006). The book chronicles the career of this influential, though largely unheralded, underground artist. Following his experience as a cartoonist, Irons moved to Seattle where he became an accomplished tattoo artist working at the storied Seattle Tattoo Emporium on First Avenue. Several works by Greg Irons from this period will be on display. Rosenkranz will lecture on R. Crumb and his compatriots at the Frye Art Museum, 704 Terry Avenue, on Saturday, January 26 at 2:00 PM.

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale Street at the corner of Airport Way S., in the heart of Georgetown’s lively business district. The space is open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206.658.0110.