Featured Exhibition
Elene Usdin: Contrast
June 1 - July 8, 2023
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 1, 2023, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Philippe Labaune Gallery is pleased to present Contrast, French artist Elene Usdin’s inaugural exhibition with the gallery and her debut showcase in the United States opening Thursday, June 1, 2023. On view is a selection of new and recent works created by the artist between 2017 and 2023, including the original comic strips illustrated for her graphic novel debut René·e aux bois dormants. Also presented are a series of illustrations from the artist commissioned for the 2023-2024 season by the Théâtre des Célestins in Lyon, the second oldest theater house in France. Drawing inspiration from the fantastical, surreal tales of her upbringing, Usdin's stories of metamorphosis and self-exploration balance juxtaposing elements of light and dark composition to create a pensive, lurid environment to reflect upon her convictions.
Meet Our Artists
Phillipe Labaune Gallery set itself a course to highlight graphic design through established and emerging artists whose commonality is to explore new territories and decompartmentalize the borders separating various modes of expression: illustration, painting, comic strips, and animation.
Amongst the artlist lineup are esteemed creators such as Lorenzo Mattotti, Nicolas de Crécy, Guido Crepax, Elizabeth Colomba, Anita Kunz, Catherine Meurisse, François Avril, Miles Hyman, and François Schuiten.
Recent News & Press
This is François Avril's first exhibition in New York, but the city is familiar to him.
"First of all, because it's a city and I love cities," he says. "Maybe because I was born in Paris, but there is something reassuring for me, well settled, straight..." And New York, in particular, has often been a source of inspiration, especially since his first visit in 1990. "I came there after the death of a friend and it was a real visual shock; the city had given me the desire to live again after this difficult moment."
The “problem” with all gallery exhibits is they have short start and finish dates, which is exactly how the dealers get the art lovers to buy the art they love before it disappears into the mist or to another gallery out of reach. The only “problem” with the Philippe Labaune Gallery in New York City is that Wit & Wisdom, an exhibition of paintings by Canadian artist Anita Kunz, is only open through March 7.
After a packed opening on Feb. 9 where fellow artists, art directors and patrons joined to celebrate Kunz’s breakthrough, I asked her to tell us how she felt about the event as well as the com-mix of art forms that she’s excelled at for decades.
About The Gallery
Founded in 2021, Philippe Labaune Gallery is devoted to championing and presenting original 20th and 21st century comic art and illustrations by emerging and established artists from around the world.