Dark Energy by Gary Clement c2011 |
The ink drawings in Dark Energy reflect Gary Clement’s lifelong interest in history, cosmology, archaeology, sitcoms, bodily functions, music, poetry astronauts and current events among other things. As a cartoonist/artist Clement draws heavily on the diverse influences that have shaped his work, from MAD magazine and National Lampoon to Philip Guston and Joseph Cornell.
The title, Dark Energy, refers to a hypothetical force that permeates the universe. In the context of this show, it refers to the materiality of the India ink used in the drawings, to the frenetic period of energy that produced the drawings and to the permeable and wide ranging nature of the subjects that inform the drawings.
Gary Clement is the political cartoonist for the National Post. His cartoons have appeared in the New York Times Week In Review, The Guardian and TIME. As a freelance illustrator, his work has appeared in publications around the world. He is also a children’s writer/illustrator whose many awards include the 1999 Governor General’s Award for Illustration for his book “The Great Poochini”. This is his 7th show at Loop. He is represented in Toronto by Loop Gallery and by Parts Gallery.
Learn more about Gary Clement’s work during a Question & Answer Session moderated by Peter Kuitenbrouwer of the National Post at loop on Saturday March 5th at 3pm.