by Cheryl Abraham
The Society of Illustrators, in collaboration with The Nation, recently featured a showing of the works of Artists Against the War, a collection of over 60 of the top graphic artists and illustrators from the United States and abroad. The description of this show, from the Museum of Illustration’s website, states: “This show is the expression of over 60 of the top graphic artists and illustrators working in the United States and abroad whose anguish has compelled them to produce works that challenge the self-destructive ignorance, indifference, incompetence and corruption that is the result of US Middle East foreign policy. These works of art will give a voice to those whose views are not represented by the mainstream media. We will be using this forum as a way to support those most directly affected by the harsh consequences of military combat-the brave men and women who serve their country as well as their family members who must live with the affects of war long after the parades are over.” See the online show here… The show runs from January 3-January 26, 2008.
Some of the artists in the show included: Brian Stauffer, Marshall Arisman, Tony Auth, Scott Bakal, Istvan Banyai, Guy Billout, R.O. Blechman, Barry Blitt, Serge Bloch, Steve Brodner, Marc Burckhardt, Seymour Chwast, Joe Ciardiello, Brian Cronin, John Cuneo, Etienne Delessert, Randall Enos, David Flaherty, Lynn Foster, Milton Glaser, David Gothard, Robert Grossman, Tomer Hanuka, Brad Holland, Mirko Ilic, Francis Jetter, Victor Juhasz, Gary Kelley, David G Klein, Ed Koren, Anita Kunz, Peter Kuper, Rick Meyerowitz, Tim O’Brien, Hanoch Piven, Wendy Popp, Lisa Reist, Edel Rodriguez, Norman Rockwell, Koren Shadmi, Burt Silverman, Jeffrey Smith, Owen Smith, Joseph Smith, Ed Sorel, and many others.
The Society of Illustrators Museum, whose mission is to promote the art and appreciation of illustration, as well as its history and evolving nature, and to encourage high ideals through exhibitions, lectures, education, and by fostering a sense of community and open discussion, is located at 128 East 63rd Street. This exhibit has ended, but an online show of the exhibit can be found by going to their website and scrolling down to Artists Against the War.