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Preview Of Dave McKean's Black Dog, To Be Launched Early Alongside Its Performance In May

Published Thu, 10 Mar 2016 08:00:34 -0600

A selection of previously unseen artwork and the names of international musical collaborators have been announced in advance of the world premiere performance of Black Dog – the Dreams of Paul Nash by Dave McKean in May.

Black Dog explores the work of Paul Nash, one of the most important British artists of the twentieth century, whose First World War experiences inspired him to create paintings of disturbing, lasting power.

Co-commissioned by the Lakes International Comic Art Festival and 14-18 NOW, the UK's official arts programme for the First World War centenary, Black Dog – The Dreams of Paul Nash is a multimedia performance and new graphic novel by illustrator, comic artist, filmmaker and musician Dave McKean.

The artwork showcases Dave McKean's diverse illustrative style and provides an insight into his interpretation of Paul Nash's First World War artworks.

Dave McKean is one of the iconic figures in the comics industry, after his work on Mister Punch, Violent Cases, Sandman, Cages, Mirrormask and more and has led the way in cross art form collaborations that Bleeding Cool have covered in the past, including 9 Lives at the British Library and Hypercomics at The Pump House.

Dave McKean will now feature the Black Dog graphic novel artwork in his new performance at Kendal Town Hall on 28th May 2016 as part of the 14-18 NOW programme.

Musical collaborators performing include Matthew Sharp who has performed worldwide as a solo cellist, baritone and actor. Matthew has given solo performances at the Glastonbury and Latitude festivals, as well as performing with many international orchestras.

Ashley Slater is a UK-based trombone player and singer, best known for his work with Fatboy Slim, Norman Cook and the band Freak Power. He has also recently performed with Elvis Costello and Debbie Harry.

The evening will feature projections, animated illustrations, live music and narration, along with artwork from the Black Dog graphic novel which will also be launched on the evening, with a collector's edition available to purchase on the night.

Tickets for the premiere in Kendal on 28th May 2016 are available through the Brewery Arts Centre box office (tel: 01539 725 133) or on its website. Additional performances will be held in France over the summer before the performance returns to Cumbria for the graphic novel launch in October.

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