From 16 July to 16 August, the National Gallery of Victoria is proud to present the newest project to enter the NGV Studio – Inherent Vice. Watch as eight cartoonists from Melbourne vacate their studios to come together and collaborate on comic art, D.I.Y. publications and their own larger projects.
The artists are zine makers, web cartoonists, late night scribblers, street artists, authors of ‘serious’ comic book literature and active members of this city’s small press community. Although, normally most comfortable when hunched over a drawing table or light box in the more cloistered corners of the Melbourne suburbs, for five weeks they will be working at NGV Studio, drawing, painting, printing and binding in full view of the passing commuters.
From 10am on 4 August to 10am on 5 August, the eight Inherent Vice cartoonists will work collaboratively with visitors to NGV Studio on an anthology of comics. Visitors will be encouraged to choose their own projects and do whatever it takes to finish them by morning. Artists under 18 years of age will be welcome between 10am and 6pm for a shorter marathon.
The tradition of a 24 hr comic book challenge began when cartoonist Scott McCloud dared his friend Steve Bissette to draw a 24 page comic book in a single day. Since then, 24-hour comics have become a rite of passage for cartoonists worldwide.
Beckett Rozentals, Assistant Curator, Australian Art, NGV said: “This really is a unique opportunity for everyone to get involved in Melbourne’s small press community at the NGV. Through Inherent Vice we hope to introduce Melbournians to this fascinating process otherwise kept behind-doors. I encourage everyone to come and participate on 4 August – this 24hr free event is not to be missed.”
Frances Lindsay, Deputy Director, NGV said: “Visitors to NGV Studio will have the chance to see what goes on behind the closed doors of a cartoonist’s studio where comic art and independent comic books are made.
“Since opening, Melbournians have embraced NGV Studio by showing their support both in presence by visiting the space at all hours of the day, and online too, the support has been phenomenal.”
Located at the corner of The Atrium and adjacent to NGV Kids Corner at Federation Square, NGV Studio presents a program of fresh and lively exhibitions, installations and events that actively involves many of Melbourne’s cultural activities.
NGV Studio provides opportunities for groups to present their art and culture, engage in key events and festivals, providing a space that promotes experimental art forms. This space encourages innovation and experimentation in content, context, interpretation and display.
NGV Studio is located at The Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia, Federation square. Open Sun–Wed, 10am–5pm and Thu–Sat, 10am–10pm. Free entry.
Get involved! If you have an idea or proposal for NGV Studio please email ngvstudio@ngv.vic.gov.au
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