Robert Crumb first began drawing record covers in 1968 when Janis Joplin, a fellow Haight Ashbury denizen, asked him to provide a cover for her album Cheap Thrills. It was an invitation the budding artist couldn’t resist, especially since he had been fascinated with record covers – particularly for the legendary jazz, country, and old-time blues music of the 1920s and 1930s – since he was a teen. This early collaboration proved so successful that Crumb went on to draw hundreds of record covers for both new artists and largely forgotten masters. So remarkable were Crumb’s artistic interpretations of these old 78 rpm singles that the art itself proved influential in their rediscovery in the 1960s and 1970s. Including such classics as Truckin’ My Blues Away, Harmonica Blues and Please Warm My Weiner, Crumb’s opus also features more recent covers done for CDs. R. Crumb: The Complete Record Cover Collection is a must-have for any lover of graphics and old-time music. Look for it here.

Source: Laughing Squid

VernissageTV created a video outlining the work of popular American cartoonist and illustrator R. Crumb at an opening earlier this month. The R. Crumb: The Bible Illuminated: R. Crumb’s Book of Genesis is Crumb’s second solo showcase at New York’s David Zwirner gallery and includes a handful of pen and ink drawings taken from Crumb’s “Book of Genesis”.

In October 2009, American artist and illustrator R. Crumb’s “The Book of Genesis”, illustrated by R. Crumb. The book topped many bestseller lists, including #1 on the New York Times: Graphic Books list. The 207 drawings (pen and ink on paper) that are on display until March 24, 2010 at David Zwirner gallery in New York were produced for this book. “From Creation to the death of Joseph, Crumb chronicles all fifty chapters of Genesis in an astonishing tapestry of masterly detail and storytelling, rendered frame by frame in meticulous comic book fashion. With a literal interpretation primarily assembled from translations of Robert Alter and the King James Bible, Crumb reintroduces us to the bountiful tree lined garden of Adam and Eve, the massive ark of Noah with beasts of every kind, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed by brimstone and fire that rained from the heavens, and the Egypt of the Pharaoh, where Joseph’s embalmed body is carried in a coffin, in a scene as elegiac as any in Genesis. Using clues from the text and peeling away the theological and scholarly versions that have often obscured the Bible’s most dramatic stories, Crumb fleshes out a parade of Biblical originals: from the serpent in Eden, as a humanoid reptile; to Abraham’s wife Sarah, more fetching than most woman at 90; to God himself, patriarchal and white-bearded.”

(Excerpt from the press release)
Robert Crumb (born 1943, Philadelphia) began drawing comics as a young boy. In the late 1960s he emerged as the leading figure in the underground comic movement. Since then, his influence has been immeasurable, from the first issue of Zap Comix in 1968; to his most recognized comic, Keep on Truckin’, which became a widely distributed fixture of pop culture in the late 1970s; from the adventures of his notorious characters Devil Girl, Fritz the Cat, and Mr. Natural; to being the subject of Terry Zwigoff’s 1995 documentary, Crumb.

R. Crumb: The Bible Illuminated: R. Crumb’s Book of Genesis is the artist’s second solo exhibition at David Zwirner gallery. Crumb was recently the focus of a touring solo exhibition, R. Crumb’s Underground, at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, California (2007), which then traveled to the Frye Art Museum, Seattle, Washington, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (both 2008), the Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston, and the Grand Central Art Center, Santa Ana, California (both 2009). Crumb has had one-man exhibitions at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (2005) and the Ludwig Museum, Cologne, Germany (2004). The Bible Illuminated: R. Crumb’s Book of Genesis was recently on view at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, California, and following David Zwirner it will travel to the Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon (June – September 2010). The artist currently lives in the south of France with his wife, Aline Kominsky Crumb, the American comic book artist known for her autobiographical stories.

One of America’s best-known underground illustrators, R. Crumb is at the center of a collaboration capsule this season as a recent release involves a re-worked Authentic model. The Authentic One Piece LX features a blue upper with tonal imagery. A box featuring R. Crumb’s artwork completes the package which is available now at Vans Vault dealers including Wish.

Having already seen both the SK8-Hi and Slip-on release the other day, we get a look into a third silhouette from the Robert Crumb for Vans Collection. Utilizing the always popular Authentic model, the renown American comic book artist offers his own interpretation with a clean one piece design featuring his famous Keep on Truckin’ artwork on the uppers. The kicks should now be available at select Vans Vault accounts.

Source: Sneaker Freaker

Previewed some months back, the collaboration between famed American illustrator Robert Crumb and Vans is now in full swing. Utilizing his iconic style, R. Crumb incorporates his timeless artwork into both a SK8-Hi and Slip-on silhouette, each featuring Mr. Natural and Fritz the Cat, respectively. The sneakers are now available via Vans retailers worldwide, including colette.

Hoping to make a tribute to the American counter culture and underline its influence on modern art. Sixpack have collaborated with Robert Crumb. Classically recognised for his satirical illustrations, R. Crumb (as he’s better known) has co-designed three new t-shirts. Sticking to what he does best, all three are reminiscent of previous work, using original illustrations from the 70’s (“Freak”, “Goodstuff” and “Fried brains”). All three tees are available to buy now!

Popular low-brow artist R. Crumb and his well-known aesthetic is now at the center of an upcoming collaboration with Vans. R. Crumb’s Mr. Natural character and his iconic beard is set against a clean white deconstructed SK8-HI ($60 USD). The foxing band features the title “Mr. Natural” as this presents one of a total of four drops. Other releases will include a Fritz the Cat Slip-On ($52 USD) and two Vans Vault releases, the “Modern America” Chukka ($85 USD) and the “Keep on Truckin’” Authentic ($90 USD). Available starting October 1st, 2009.

Source: LA Times

R. Crumb has become one of America’s most influential and well-respected underground cartoonist and artist of his generation. His constant questioning of America’s popular society through his satirical style has become a defining characteristic his distinct style. In his latest “R. Crumb’s Underground”, the artist’s life-works including recent pieces done with his wife and fellow cartoonist Aline Kominsky-Crumb are displayed beginning with his career back in San Francisco. The exhibition featuring cartoons and more is taking place until December 7th at Philadelphia’s Institute of Contemporary Art.

R. Crumb’s Underground Exhibition
Institute of Contemporary Art
University of Pennsylvania
118 S. 36th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104-3289
P: 215.898.7108

Source: SuperTouch

The creative agency UARM (Urban Arts Research and Marketing) has released some t-shirts designed by legendary underground cartoonist Robert Crumb. A lot of Crumb’s success was associated with his distinct style and commentary of popular American. The three t-shirts available include Head, Inner Self and Pig tee. R. Crumb was also at the center of the recent collection of t-shirts for Supreme. Available now at Sold Out.

Know for his critical and satirical view of American culture, artist and illustrator Robert Crumb is the latest to team up with Supreme. From his beginnings in 1968 with his self-published Zap Comix, Crumb rapidly became well known in the underground comic scene. Crumb’s work features many references found in cartoon styles common in the 20th century. Having said that, much of his style can be themed after satire as well as sexual and political material.

This collaboration with Supreme features two t-shirts and a zip-up hoodie utilizing art work done by Robert Crumb. Available start mid-October at Supreme stores.