Will Eisner
Graphic Novel Godfather
The Jewish Museum presents the first German retrospective of one of the most influential comic artists of the 20th century.
Will Eisner (1917–2005) is considered the father of the graphic novel, that is, comics with a higher literary ambition. Eisner’s stories are profound narratives that explore complex issues of human existence, social justice and Jewish identity.
Will Eisner, a Jewish son of Austrian and Romanian immigrants to the USA, significantly shaped the medium of comics on three occasions: in 1940, when he experimented with the possibilities of graphic storytelling – much like a laboratory - with his series “The Spirit”. In 1952, when he tested the potential of using comics for education and information in social contexts. And finally, in 1978, when his first graphic novel “A Contract with God” was published. Many more were to follow, especially those that confronted anti-Semitism.
The exhibition features original drawings by Will Eisner from his estate and from private collections in Europe and America, as well as vintage archival materials. A 384-page, extensively illustrated monograph on the life and work of the artist will be published for the exhibition (avant Verlag, Berlin, long out of print there: available exclusively at the exhibition).
An exhibition in cooperation with schauraum: comic + cartoon, Dortmund, curated by Dr. Alexander Braun.
