Exhibit: Entering the World of Comics at the AGO!

Art Gallery of Ontario's Art Spiegelman's CO-MIX: A Retrospective Review

During a day off two weeks ago, I spent the afternoon at the AGO, letting myself get a good dose of some Art Therapy. I reacquainted myself with some favourite pieces of art and was introduced to some new and exciting ones, which included a visit to the Art Spiegelman exhibit.

Cover art, Print magazine, May-June 1981

I have to admit, I don't know much about comics and graphic novels and I can count on one hand how many I have read. But after visiting Art Spiegelman's CO-MIX: A Retrospective, I am inclined to take another look at the graphic novel section in my next bookstore visit.

Cover art, Short Order Comix no.1, 1972

Spiegelman is probably best known for his Pulitzer Prize winning Maus - a two volume graphic novel that recounts the horrific experiences of Nazi occupation and Auschwitz. The stories are based on Spiegelman's own fathers' experiences, who survived the death camp along with Spielgelman's mother.

Cover art, Maus II, first edition, 1991

 Studies and Final Manuscript of Maus II, A Survivors Tale: And Here My Troubles Began, 1985-91

There are ten different themed sections, and Maus takes up the most space. One wall is covered in the entire manuscript of Maus II, A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began. It was a little overwhelming.

Abstract Thought is a Warm Puppy, homage to Charles Schulz, The New Yorker, February 14, 2000

Cover art for Valentine's Day, The New Yorker, February 15, 1993

L: Cover art for Ground Zero, The New Yorker, September 24, 2001; R: Art for endpapers and backcover, In The Shadow of No Towers, 2004

The exhibit starts off with Spiegelman's early comic book work and then follows his 50 year-plus career, including Maus and his time at The New Yorker. For any comic book or graphic novel lover, this show is a must see. For the rest of us, I still recommend it, if only to visit the Maus section. It is, arguably, one of the greatest works of the 20th century. I highly recommend reading Maus before you visit, to get a better understanding of the exhibit. And be prepared to be there a while, if you read every speech bubble drawn. Art Spiegelman's CO-Mix: A Retrospective runs until March 15, 2015.

P.s!: This exhibit, as well as Art as Therapy, is included in general admission, which means they're free on Wednesday nights!

P.s,

Melanie!