ROBERT CRUMB
February 20 – April 15, 2004

The opening exhibition of Van Horn consisted of 7 original drawings by Robert Crumb in his first solo-show in Germany. These were all more recent works from 1996 until 2003. Robert Crumb is probably most well-known for characters such as Fritz the Cat and Mr. Natural, which he invented when he was part of the so-called “underground comic scene” in the 60s. But Mr. Crumb’s artistic work goes far beyond psychedelic comics. Over the years he developed an artistic body of work which is not only striking through his craftsmanship and intensity, but also through it’s wit and the underlying beauty it conveys.

In both his work and in person Robert Crumb embodies what I find important in art. He is a gifted draftsman and pursues his work and life with astonishing unconditional fervour. Nevertheless his work wasn‘t exhibited in Germany until now and also was not really present in the perception of the common artworld.

I think he’s one of the greatest living artists and wanted to see his work myself in my space. (somebody said: “The Brueghel of the 2nd half of the 20th century) . He does uncompromising, strong work and is fearless with his obsessions. Artistically as well as personally he’s absolutely true to himself. Without his generous support and help the Van Horn project couldn’t have happened this way.

Parallel to his exhibition other events took place, like live screenings of films about him and films with related themes, as well as a live performance.

All visuals of Crumb drawings are ©Paul Morris Gallery + R.Crumb 2004

For information on available works please contact Van Horn


R.CRUMB, opening at VAN HORN, Dusseldorf, February 20- April 15, 2004, Photo(c)VAN HORN/Daniela Steinfeld

CHRISTOPH DETTMEIER, Die Stunde des Cowboys, March 26, 2004, CountryKaraokeShow at VAN HORN, Dusseldorf,
Photo(c)VAN HORN/Daniela Steinfeld



Thematic related film-screenings plus talks

Crumb, USA 1994
Awarded documentary about the life and oeuvre of Robert Crumb, Director: Terry Zwigoff, 119 min.

Ghost World, USA 2001
Movie, Director: Terry Zwigoff, with Thora Birch, Steve Buscemi, with drawings by Sophie Crumb

The Confessions of Robert Crumb, GB 1987
BBC documentary about Robert Crumb, 55 min., Book: Robert Crumb

American Splendor, USA 2003
Awarded movie about the life of Harvey Pekars, a close friend and Underground-Comix colleague of Robert Crumb

Christoph Dettmeier – Künstler / artist – Die Stunde des Cowboys (Hour of the Cowboy)
CountryKaraokeShow, 26. März 2004

The exhibition was accompanied by private film-screenings of Robert Crumb documentaries and movies with related themes. Also the live performance “Hour of the Cowboy” by the artist Christoph Dettmeier was staged. He sang some of his favourite Country-and Blues songs to us and told us stories of the West. These events took place every Sunday evening, during the time the exhibition was to be seen. Please see below some pictures of the opening and the other happenings.

Ackknowledgements and thanks to:
Jan Albers; Robert Crumb; Paul Morris + Rebecca Shulman; Kees Kousemaker + Lambiek; Marcus Herse; Markus Karstiess; Sascha Hahn; Kathleen Rahn; Elke Nebel; Maria Anna Tappeiner; Andreas Korte; Michael Trier; Noemi Smolik; Wolfgang Heinen – Heinendruck and Kulturamt Duesseldorf

ROBERT CRUMB | GALLERY EXHIBITIONS