Logo OkNo Gallery
*   exhibitions & projects
*   publications
*   about
*   links
 

 
  

  © 2001-2022
  OkNo Gallery
  Chelyabinsk, Russia

 
EXHIBITIONS & PROJECTS

VINT LAWRENCE (USA)
Political caricature of 1989-1992

February 10-22, 2014

About the exhibition

Vint Lawrence has worked in the caricature genre from the 1970s though the 1990s in leading American periodicals, including his long cooperation with The New Republic Magazine.

Caricature differs from other artistic genres - an artist has to possess an unusual set of qualities: fast response to events, and the ability to translate them in his own voice. He must coordinate with the editor and the authors, juggling skilled graphics which engage readers.

Vint Lawrence's political drawings embody the best of the genre. Michael Kinsley, a long-time editor of The New Republic, with whom Vint worked for 12 years, wrote in his preface to one of the artist's albums: "intelligence is the most striking feature of Vint Lawrence's drawings... he has perfected the art of giving every man or women he draws the face he or she deserves."

The subjects of Vint's attention include American and Russian politicians, as well as significant public, and cultural figures. Unlike those of his colleagues, Vint's works are interesting beyond the article's context, both in their ideas and realization. A firm thought, backed by artistic talent and a careful study of detail allow VInt's caricatures to stand on their own.

Vint Lawrence's artistic biography is unusual. He began to master the technique of drawing, watercolor and painting, by himself, after he was 30 years old. Without formal artistic education he experimented in various genres, ultimately preferring pencil, ink, and watercolor. He participated inšdifferent exhibitions and helped to promote emerging artists. He initially started to work as a caricaturist to earn his living, contributing to independent, often liberal publications.

In 1993-1996 Vint Lawrence, together with his wife, journalist Anne Garrels, lived in Russia. His travels across the country can be seen in a series of watercolors presented at the exhibition as a slideshow.

Svetlana Sudya
(translated by Yaroslav Barichko)