"Drew Friedman isn't just a brilliant artist. He takes you to a place. He takes you back in time. He makes you smell the stale cigarettes and cold brisket and you say, thank you for the pleasure." — Sarah Silverman
Young and old — you don't wanna miss this exhibit of original work from Drew Friedman! Starting Wednesday, March 5th, The Society of Illustrators is proud to present a two-floor gallery show of Old Jewish Comedians, showcasing Friedman's original artwork from all three books, as well as early rough sketches and additional Jewish comedian-related art created by Friedman for book, print and DVD covers.
Short biographies of each comedian will accompany each portrait. This will represent the most comprehensive display of original Drew Friedman artwork to date, containing over 110 illustrations. Also on display will be rare Jewish comedian ephemera from Friedman's personal collection, including books, records, sheet music, advertisements, brochures, toys, games, buttons, cigar boxes, shoe laces, playing cards, magazines and comic books, some featuring art by the most popular illustrators of their day.
The Old Jewish Comedians books came about when Monte Beauchamp — editor and designer of the comics & illustration anthology BLAB! — asked Friedman to create a book for his line of BLAB! storybooks. When Friedman was asked what he'd most like to draw, he thought: "What do I enjoy drawing the most… old people, Jews and comedians. Bingo!… Old Jewish Comedians!" Beauchamp, who curated the recent wildly successful Robert Crumb and Harvey Kurtzman shows for the Society of Illustrators, will be curating the Old Jewish Comedian show.
All three Old Jewish Comedians volumes will be on sale at the Society of illustrators in a new bound volume created exclusively for the show. Expect to see several of the legendary Jewish comedians at the opening celebration!
The Society of Illustrators is located at 128 East 63rd Street. This glorious celebration of comedians will be on exhibit through May 3, 2014.