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Illustrated Biographies - Artists and Art - Christchurch City Libraries

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

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The graphic novel is the ideal way to reimagine the life and work of an artist, to enjoy their colourful lives and familiarise yourself with their bodies of work. These graphic novels focus on seminal artists and art movements - filled with striking illustrations, extraordinary twists of fate and unique glimpses into the lives of some of the most important artists that ever lived. Delve into the inspiration behind major artworks and relive the moments that shaped the lives of the people behind these enduring creations. A Christchurch City Libraries list.

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ChristchurchLib

Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi

16 items

16 items

Kusama

Kusama

The Graphic Novel

by Macellari, Elisa

Book - 2020

A vivid portrait of the delightful contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama. We follow her life through her childhood in Japan, to her radical career hosting 'ha...Show more A vivid portrait of the delightful contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama. We follow her life through her childhood in Japan, to her radical career hosting 'happenings' and investigating large-scale painting and sculpture in 1960s New York. We also follow her struggles with mental health and finding peace in the art making process. This graphic novel offers a deeper glimpse behind the 'dots' in a fun sketchy style - enjoy this exploration of a truly iconic artist. Show less

A vivid portrait of the delightful contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama. We follow her life through her childhood in Japan, to her radical career hosting 'ha...Show more A vivid portrait of the delightful contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama. We follow her life through her childhood in Japan, to her radical career hosting 'happenings' and investigating large-scale painting and sculpture in 1960s New York. We also follow her struggles with mental health and finding peace in the art making process. This graphic novel offers a deeper glimpse behind the 'dots' in a fun sketchy style - enjoy this exploration of a truly iconic artist. Show less

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Amazing Fantastic Incredible

Amazing Fantastic Incredible

A Marvelous Memoir

by Lee, Stan, 1922-2018

Book - 2015

Stan Lee is a legend in the realm of comic books and the creative force behind so many of your favourite superheroes. Lee dramatically changed the form an...Show more Stan Lee is a legend in the realm of comic books and the creative force behind so many of your favourite superheroes. Lee dramatically changed the form and fleshed out his heroes and villains into recognisable and relatable characters with personal hang ups and complex psychological landscapes, changing comics forever. Lee tells his own story through this beautifully illustrated graphic memoir, where a reader can recognise at once the energy, wit and drive that has cemented his place in history. A moving and candid memoir for fans of comics and graphic novels. Show less

Stan Lee is a legend in the realm of comic books and the creative force behind so many of your favourite superheroes. Lee dramatically changed the form an...Show more Stan Lee is a legend in the realm of comic books and the creative force behind so many of your favourite superheroes. Lee dramatically changed the form and fleshed out his heroes and villains into recognisable and relatable characters with personal hang ups and complex psychological landscapes, changing comics forever. Lee tells his own story through this beautifully illustrated graphic memoir, where a reader can recognise at once the energy, wit and drive that has cemented his place in history. A moving and candid memoir for fans of comics and graphic novels. Show less

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The Art (and Many Other Mistakes) of Eric Powell

The Art (and Many Other Mistakes) of Eric Powell

by Werthem, Blaine

Book - 2019

In Nashville, Tennessee, lives a man named Eric Powell. Eric is a bit of a recluse who has turned his back on a promising film career to pursue the creati...Show more In Nashville, Tennessee, lives a man named Eric Powell. Eric is a bit of a recluse who has turned his back on a promising film career to pursue the creation of comic books. Creating the much loved series - 'The Goon', this novel 'The Art (and Many Other Mistakes) of Eric Powell' lets us in on the process he went through to become one of the best-loved comic book creators we know today. Show less

In Nashville, Tennessee, lives a man named Eric Powell. Eric is a bit of a recluse who has turned his back on a promising film career to pursue the creati...Show more In Nashville, Tennessee, lives a man named Eric Powell. Eric is a bit of a recluse who has turned his back on a promising film career to pursue the creation of comic books. Creating the much loved series - 'The Goon', this novel 'The Art (and Many Other Mistakes) of Eric Powell' lets us in on the process he went through to become one of the best-loved comic book creators we know today. Show less

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Blank Canvas

My So-called Artist's Journey. 1

by Higashimura, Akiko, 1975-

Book - 2019

This is an award-winning autobiographical manga by Akiko Higashimura, the creator of the well- known and loved, Princess Jellyfish manga series. The book ...Show more This is an award-winning autobiographical manga by Akiko Higashimura, the creator of the well- known and loved, Princess Jellyfish manga series. The book follows her as a teenager, and from then sees her try to realise her high school dream of becoming a comic book creator. Akiko has big plans of becoming a popular mangaka before she even graduates but realises she needs to get much better at drawing. She signs up to an art class to discover the teacher is a taskmaster who doesn’t care one bit about manga, how will Akiko realize her dreams? Show less

This is an award-winning autobiographical manga by Akiko Higashimura, the creator of the well- known and loved, Princess Jellyfish manga series. The book ...Show more This is an award-winning autobiographical manga by Akiko Higashimura, the creator of the well- known and loved, Princess Jellyfish manga series. The book follows her as a teenager, and from then sees her try to realise her high school dream of becoming a comic book creator. Akiko has big plans of becoming a popular mangaka before she even graduates but realises she needs to get much better at drawing. She signs up to an art class to discover the teacher is a taskmaster who doesn’t care one bit about manga, how will Akiko realize her dreams? Show less

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Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo

An Illustrated Life

by Hesse, María

Book - 2018

One of the most instantly recognisable artists of all time – famous for her iconic style, her deeply poetic artworks and her extraordinary passion for lif...Show more One of the most instantly recognisable artists of all time – famous for her iconic style, her deeply poetic artworks and her extraordinary passion for life. An icon of female resilience and a prolific and haunted artist, Kahlo struggled with lasting health problems after a traumatic accident which changed her life and her art forever. This first-person narrative tells us of Kahlo’s suffering and her hunger for art and life. We get the whole story, from her childhood to the adult relationships which would shape her work and drive her to become a world-renowned artist. Full of beautiful illustrations of Kahlo’s most famous paintings - this is a must read for Frida fans. Show less

One of the most instantly recognisable artists of all time – famous for her iconic style, her deeply poetic artworks and her extraordinary passion for lif...Show more One of the most instantly recognisable artists of all time – famous for her iconic style, her deeply poetic artworks and her extraordinary passion for life. An icon of female resilience and a prolific and haunted artist, Kahlo struggled with lasting health problems after a traumatic accident which changed her life and her art forever. This first-person narrative tells us of Kahlo’s suffering and her hunger for art and life. We get the whole story, from her childhood to the adult relationships which would shape her work and drive her to become a world-renowned artist. Full of beautiful illustrations of Kahlo’s most famous paintings - this is a must read for Frida fans. Show less

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In Fine Style

In Fine Style

The Dancehall Art of Wilfred Limonious

by Bateman, Christopher (Musician)

Book - 2016

Wilfred Limonious (1949-1999) became one of Jamaica's most prolific graphic artists, designing over 150 reggae and dancehall album covers as well as a hos...Show more Wilfred Limonious (1949-1999) became one of Jamaica's most prolific graphic artists, designing over 150 reggae and dancehall album covers as well as a host of pamphlets, logos and paraphernalia. His works feature a wealth of silly characters, bright colours and scribbled commentary within speech bubbles. The graphic world Limonious created began to emerge as the perfect visual counterpart to Jamaica's musical scene and here the artist's extended catalogue is explored, celebrating the epic skill and versatility of this overlooked artist. Show less

Wilfred Limonious (1949-1999) became one of Jamaica's most prolific graphic artists, designing over 150 reggae and dancehall album covers as well as a hos...Show more Wilfred Limonious (1949-1999) became one of Jamaica's most prolific graphic artists, designing over 150 reggae and dancehall album covers as well as a host of pamphlets, logos and paraphernalia. His works feature a wealth of silly characters, bright colours and scribbled commentary within speech bubbles. The graphic world Limonious created began to emerge as the perfect visual counterpart to Jamaica's musical scene and here the artist's extended catalogue is explored, celebrating the epic skill and versatility of this overlooked artist. Show less

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Marbles

Marbles

Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, & Me : A Graphic Memoir

by Forney, Ellen

Book - 2012

Before she turned 30, award-winning cartoonist Ellen Forney discovered she had Bipolar Disorder. This condition created an erratic world which she attempt...Show more Before she turned 30, award-winning cartoonist Ellen Forney discovered she had Bipolar Disorder. This condition created an erratic world which she attempted to stabilise with psychiatric drugs. Using her signature black and white artwork, Forney relates not just her arduous trek towards balance but also her fear that her medications were diminishing her creative talents. Forney mixes medical research and references to famous mentally ill artists with her absorbing narrative to produce an achingly honest but informative and engaging work about creativity and life with a mood disorder that is rarely understood. Show less

Before she turned 30, award-winning cartoonist Ellen Forney discovered she had Bipolar Disorder. This condition created an erratic world which she attempt...Show more Before she turned 30, award-winning cartoonist Ellen Forney discovered she had Bipolar Disorder. This condition created an erratic world which she attempted to stabilise with psychiatric drugs. Using her signature black and white artwork, Forney relates not just her arduous trek towards balance but also her fear that her medications were diminishing her creative talents. Forney mixes medical research and references to famous mentally ill artists with her absorbing narrative to produce an achingly honest but informative and engaging work about creativity and life with a mood disorder that is rarely understood. Show less

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A. Rodin

A. Rodin

by Simon, Eddy, 1968-

Book - 2020

Auguste Rodin is one of the most celebrated sculptors who ever lived - famous for ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Kiss’, he is considered to be the founder of mode...Show more Auguste Rodin is one of the most celebrated sculptors who ever lived - famous for ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Kiss’, he is considered to be the founder of modern sculpture. This stunning biography is told through the eyes of three women who had complex relationships with the artist, one of them being celebrated sculptor Camille Claudel. These women paint an intricate picture of the revolutionary artist who restored the role of sculpture as a transcendent art form, as he moved away from tradition and set the art world alight with his passionate and expressive sculptures. Show less

Auguste Rodin is one of the most celebrated sculptors who ever lived - famous for ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Kiss’, he is considered to be the founder of mode...Show more Auguste Rodin is one of the most celebrated sculptors who ever lived - famous for ‘The Thinker’ and ‘The Kiss’, he is considered to be the founder of modern sculpture. This stunning biography is told through the eyes of three women who had complex relationships with the artist, one of them being celebrated sculptor Camille Claudel. These women paint an intricate picture of the revolutionary artist who restored the role of sculpture as a transcendent art form, as he moved away from tradition and set the art world alight with his passionate and expressive sculptures. Show less

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The Beats

The Beats

A Graphic History

by Pekar, Harvey, 1939-2010

Book - 2009

Initially focusing on the writers Jack Kerouac, Alan Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs, this graphic novel then takes a wider look at the creative figures...Show more Initially focusing on the writers Jack Kerouac, Alan Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs, this graphic novel then takes a wider look at the creative figures who helped drive the Beat Generation; such as feminist comic creator Trina Robbins, the 'Mad' magazine artist Peter Kuper and the painter Jay DeFeo. This reads like a collage and tribute to the various artists who challenged the conformity of 1950s America and who became known for their epic drug-taking, staggering creativity and unprecedented experimentation in various art forms. A convincing and frank look at some of the most recognisable faces of the Beat Generation as well as a constellation of lesser known artists – from the jazz hipsters to the beatnik chicks, this pays homage to their rebellion. Show less

Initially focusing on the writers Jack Kerouac, Alan Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs, this graphic novel then takes a wider look at the creative figures...Show more Initially focusing on the writers Jack Kerouac, Alan Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs, this graphic novel then takes a wider look at the creative figures who helped drive the Beat Generation; such as feminist comic creator Trina Robbins, the 'Mad' magazine artist Peter Kuper and the painter Jay DeFeo. This reads like a collage and tribute to the various artists who challenged the conformity of 1950s America and who became known for their epic drug-taking, staggering creativity and unprecedented experimentation in various art forms. A convincing and frank look at some of the most recognisable faces of the Beat Generation as well as a constellation of lesser known artists – from the jazz hipsters to the beatnik chicks, this pays homage to their rebellion. Show less

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Girl on Film

Girl on Film

A Graphic Novel Memoir

by Castellucci, Cecil, 1969-

Book - 2019

A poignant and personal account of the life of award-winning young adult novelist and Eisner-nominated comics writer Cecil Castellucci. ‘Girl on Film’ chr...Show more A poignant and personal account of the life of award-winning young adult novelist and Eisner-nominated comics writer Cecil Castellucci. ‘Girl on Film’ chronicles her early years as an aspiring artist to her pursuit of film making at art school. After first watching ‘Star Wars’ Castellucci knew that she was on a creative trajectory to become an artist of some kind. A fun graphic novel full of self-awareness, honesty and a highly reflective examination of the frailty of memory. Show less

A poignant and personal account of the life of award-winning young adult novelist and Eisner-nominated comics writer Cecil Castellucci. ‘Girl on Film’ chr...Show more A poignant and personal account of the life of award-winning young adult novelist and Eisner-nominated comics writer Cecil Castellucci. ‘Girl on Film’ chronicles her early years as an aspiring artist to her pursuit of film making at art school. After first watching ‘Star Wars’ Castellucci knew that she was on a creative trajectory to become an artist of some kind. A fun graphic novel full of self-awareness, honesty and a highly reflective examination of the frailty of memory. Show less

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The Art of the Simon and Kirby Studio

The Art of the Simon and Kirby Studio

by Simon, Joe, 1913-2011

Graphic Novel - 2014

We couldn’t create a list of graphic novels without celebrating the art of the comic book. Over the course of three decades artists Joe Simon and Jack Kir...Show more We couldn’t create a list of graphic novels without celebrating the art of the comic book. Over the course of three decades artists Joe Simon and Jack Kirkby wrote and illustrated several hundred comics as their partnership ushered in the Golden-Age of the comic book. A riveting read showcasing the ground-breaking work undertaken by these two artists, the creators of a wealth of much-loved characters including Captain America. This oversize book includes scans of original artworks and an afterword by Jim Simon, son of Joe Simon and paints a picture of the lives of the kings of the comic. A great coffee table book to dip into and a must for fans of modern-day graphic novels. Show less

We couldn’t create a list of graphic novels without celebrating the art of the comic book. Over the course of three decades artists Joe Simon and Jack Kir...Show more We couldn’t create a list of graphic novels without celebrating the art of the comic book. Over the course of three decades artists Joe Simon and Jack Kirkby wrote and illustrated several hundred comics as their partnership ushered in the Golden-Age of the comic book. A riveting read showcasing the ground-breaking work undertaken by these two artists, the creators of a wealth of much-loved characters including Captain America. This oversize book includes scans of original artworks and an afterword by Jim Simon, son of Joe Simon and paints a picture of the lives of the kings of the comic. A great coffee table book to dip into and a must for fans of modern-day graphic novels. Show less

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Pollock Confidential

Pollock Confidential

A Graphic Novel

by Catacchio, Onofrio, 1964-

Book - 2018

In his short and turbulent life Jackson Pollock changed the art world and the concept of painting forever. A ferociously prolific artist and a pioneer of ...Show more In his short and turbulent life Jackson Pollock changed the art world and the concept of painting forever. A ferociously prolific artist and a pioneer of a very physical approach to painting, this visionary was sadly dogged by demons. This vibrant graphic novel looks at the man behind the glittering veneer and the mammoth body of ground-breaking works he produced. Being an ‘intellectual’ in the midst of the Cold War hysteria of 1940/50s America meant Pollock became a target for the CIA and was suspected of being a Communist sympathiser. A must read for art history buffs who will enjoy exploring the New York mid-century art scene and glimpsing its main players. Show less

In his short and turbulent life Jackson Pollock changed the art world and the concept of painting forever. A ferociously prolific artist and a pioneer of ...Show more In his short and turbulent life Jackson Pollock changed the art world and the concept of painting forever. A ferociously prolific artist and a pioneer of a very physical approach to painting, this visionary was sadly dogged by demons. This vibrant graphic novel looks at the man behind the glittering veneer and the mammoth body of ground-breaking works he produced. Being an ‘intellectual’ in the midst of the Cold War hysteria of 1940/50s America meant Pollock became a target for the CIA and was suspected of being a Communist sympathiser. A must read for art history buffs who will enjoy exploring the New York mid-century art scene and glimpsing its main players. Show less

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Drawing on Walls

Drawing on Walls

A Story of Keith Haring

by Burgess, Matthew

Book - 2020

Keith Haring’s highly stylised and simplified figures are a truly iconic feature of the Pop Art movement – from the streets of New York to the Berlin Wall...Show more Keith Haring’s highly stylised and simplified figures are a truly iconic feature of the Pop Art movement – from the streets of New York to the Berlin Wall. Haring passionately believed that “art is for everybody”, creating murals around the world and using his work as a tool for his social activism. A member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a tragic casualty of AIDS-related complications, this novel pays homage to everything Haring achieved in such a short life and celebrates his personal, political, and artistic legacies. We follow Keith Haring’s life from his childhood in Pennsylvania to his last mark in Pisa, Italy, in this sensitive and accessible biography. A wonderfully potent reminder that anything is possible. Show less

Keith Haring’s highly stylised and simplified figures are a truly iconic feature of the Pop Art movement – from the streets of New York to the Berlin Wall...Show more Keith Haring’s highly stylised and simplified figures are a truly iconic feature of the Pop Art movement – from the streets of New York to the Berlin Wall. Haring passionately believed that “art is for everybody”, creating murals around the world and using his work as a tool for his social activism. A member of the LGBTQIA+ community and a tragic casualty of AIDS-related complications, this novel pays homage to everything Haring achieved in such a short life and celebrates his personal, political, and artistic legacies. We follow Keith Haring’s life from his childhood in Pennsylvania to his last mark in Pisa, Italy, in this sensitive and accessible biography. A wonderfully potent reminder that anything is possible. Show less

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Vincent

Vincent

by Stok, Barbara, 1970-

Book - 2014

Vincent van Gogh is easily one of the most influential and prolific artists in the Western canon - famous for his sunflowers, his highly saturated colour ...Show more Vincent van Gogh is easily one of the most influential and prolific artists in the Western canon - famous for his sunflowers, his highly saturated colour work and for cutting part of his own ear off. In ‘Vincent’, we follow the artist from Paris to Arles, Provence, where he dreams of setting up an artist's studio and has the most intensely creative (albeit brief), period of his life among the wheat fields. This graphic novel breathes new life into what we know about van Gogh and creates a vivid, fascinating and sympathetic portrait of this beloved and troubled artist. Show less

Vincent van Gogh is easily one of the most influential and prolific artists in the Western canon - famous for his sunflowers, his highly saturated colour ...Show more Vincent van Gogh is easily one of the most influential and prolific artists in the Western canon - famous for his sunflowers, his highly saturated colour work and for cutting part of his own ear off. In ‘Vincent’, we follow the artist from Paris to Arles, Provence, where he dreams of setting up an artist's studio and has the most intensely creative (albeit brief), period of his life among the wheat fields. This graphic novel breathes new life into what we know about van Gogh and creates a vivid, fascinating and sympathetic portrait of this beloved and troubled artist. Show less

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Dalí

Dalí

by Baudoin, Edmond, 1942-

Book - 2016

Famed for melting clocks, an eccentric lifestyle and a gravity-defying moustache - Salvador Dalí was a key figure of the Surrealist movement. This iconic ...Show more Famed for melting clocks, an eccentric lifestyle and a gravity-defying moustache - Salvador Dalí was a key figure of the Surrealist movement. This iconic artist’s life is shrouded in mystery, overshadowed by ‘genius’ and brimming with the fantastical. Graphic novelist Edmond Baudoin takes us on a journey to delve into the man behind this controversial artist and we emerge with a unique and personal insight into Dalí, his life, his work and his rousing talent for self-promotion. Original and highly expressive, this dreamy graphic novel will delight art lovers and is a work of art in itself! Show less

Famed for melting clocks, an eccentric lifestyle and a gravity-defying moustache - Salvador Dalí was a key figure of the Surrealist movement. This iconic ...Show more Famed for melting clocks, an eccentric lifestyle and a gravity-defying moustache - Salvador Dalí was a key figure of the Surrealist movement. This iconic artist’s life is shrouded in mystery, overshadowed by ‘genius’ and brimming with the fantastical. Graphic novelist Edmond Baudoin takes us on a journey to delve into the man behind this controversial artist and we emerge with a unique and personal insight into Dalí, his life, his work and his rousing talent for self-promotion. Original and highly expressive, this dreamy graphic novel will delight art lovers and is a work of art in itself! Show less

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Basquiat

Basquiat

A Graphic Novel

by Parisi, Paolo, 1980-

Book - 2019

Be transported to 1980s New York where Jean-Michel Basquiat is a legendary street artist, part of SAMO, and about to break onto the international art scen...Show more Be transported to 1980s New York where Jean-Michel Basquiat is a legendary street artist, part of SAMO, and about to break onto the international art scene with his powerful, neo-expressionist, paintings. His paintings were a derisive social commentary on systems of racism and structures of power. A cinematic and moving depiction of the fascinating man behind the art, documenting his colourful life before his untimely death at age 27. This vivid retelling of Basquiat’s life is told by some of the people who knew him best – his father, Suzanne Mallouk, Larry Gagosian and the artist himself. Show less

Be transported to 1980s New York where Jean-Michel Basquiat is a legendary street artist, part of SAMO, and about to break onto the international art scen...Show more Be transported to 1980s New York where Jean-Michel Basquiat is a legendary street artist, part of SAMO, and about to break onto the international art scene with his powerful, neo-expressionist, paintings. His paintings were a derisive social commentary on systems of racism and structures of power. A cinematic and moving depiction of the fascinating man behind the art, documenting his colourful life before his untimely death at age 27. This vivid retelling of Basquiat’s life is told by some of the people who knew him best – his father, Suzanne Mallouk, Larry Gagosian and the artist himself. Show less

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