Robert Crumb & Robert Armstrong at Cushion Works extended until June 29th
You’ve read that right—ROBERT CRUMB’s original drawings and paintings are part of this exhibit with his long time friend and fellow cartoonist Robert Armstrong at the great Cushion Works gallery in the Mission. Treat yourself and go experience their work in person. It’s truly special!
This show isn’t just for comic fans; anyone who loves great art will be blown away. The drawings and paintings are impeccable, many times I found myself wondering “is this a print?” and it’s not. Originals only. They do have some really cool and affordable vintage screen prints for sale on the side table.
Most, if not all, of R. Crumb’s works were borrowed from collectors, farmers in California’s Central Valley, and even ex-girlfriends. Jordan Stein (curator) and Dan Nadel (author of the brand-new and highly recommended biography Crumb, A Cartoonist’s Life) traveled across the state to track down these pieces. One was even found in a kitchen in Pacific Heights!
There are some famous pieces in this collection. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see them up close. As a huge R. Crumb fan, I’ve only ever come across another original, maybe once at 111 Minna. Events like this don’t happen everyday.
I was absolutely floored by how small and precise each piece is. For the level of detail, I had expected larger panels. And the wild, psychedelic-era drawings from the late 60’s are impressively well-preserved—seeing them in such pristine condition made me so happy. Honestly, who needs art school when you have a show like this? I never wanted to leave.
Armstrong’s work was just as impressive. My favorite? His hand-painted ukuleles.
The opening night attracted a mix of weirdos, young and older artists, and even the one and only Dan Clowes was there! On top of that, the gallery casually mentioned there would be live music. Turns out, The Forty Drop Few performed, featuring Robert Armstrong himself—giving us serious Cheap Suit Serenaders vibes (Crumb and Armstrong’s old band). It was spectacular! I’d only ever seen someone play a saw as an instrument in old cartoons, it was so cool! As a fan of R. Crumb and His Cheap Suit Serenaders, this felt like the closest I could ever get to attending one of their shows. Now I am completely obsessed with The Forty Drop Few, and can’t wait for them to come to town again!
R. Crumb was in the U.S. for the East Coast portion of his book tour but has since returned to France, where he’s been living for over 30 years. We definitely missed his physical presence here, but trust me—seeing his art and hearing his music made it feel like he was with us. Honestly, it’s probably for the best that he wasn’t around to catch us staring at his work for ages, rambling about his line work and how brilliant he is. He would have made that lovely, cringe-y face we’ve all seen so many times in videos and photos.
I could talk about this show forever and I probably will, but not here.
Huge thanks to Jordan Stein and Dan Nadel for making this happen. This is a historic exhibit, and I’m beyond grateful to have experienced it. It’s one for the books – go see it or regret it forever!
All Photographs by Phil Maisel.
The exhibit got extended until June 29st.
Open Friday and Saturday 12-5 and by appointment
Cushion Works is at 3320 18th Street. San Francisco, CA
info@cushionworks.info
415.793.3406
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