Shoulda, woulda, coulda

I had every intention of running home from the MOME exhibit opening last Saturday, but something distracted me. The damage room held a piece of gold I've been trying to find for a while: Schizo #1. Ivan Brunetti and his indiosyncratic musings have held me captive, so apologies to the Fantagraphics crew for not singing your praises immediately after your event.

Okay, so onto the opening....

We didn't expect a big crowd, for several reasons. As Eric Reynolds mentioned, the Seahawks game thwarted any potential non-nerd attendence. Secondly, MOME isn't very well known outside of the niche market that enjoys independent comic anthologies. And third, not everyone can be as dedicated as Dylan and I are to attending openings where the artists are not publicized as being there. I'm not sure what this says about us, but I digress.

It's no secret to any reader who has paid attention to our posts during the past year and a half that I am borderline crazy about John Pham. Once I entered the room, I beelined it for the gallery wall, which was partially guarded by an enviable court, including Fantagraphics own Rhea Patton.

To kill some time while waiting for the crowd holding John Pham's originals hostage to break up, I snuck some photos of some of the gorgeous originals that here displayed.

(clockwise) Jeffrey Brown, Sophie Crumb, Jonathan Bennett

Martin Cendreda

Finally victory was mine, and I was able to plant myself in front of Pham's artwork and drink it in. It was lovely, and all I have is this crappy photo to show for it.

If you live in or near Seattle, you should really check out this lovely art. Even if you don't like comics, I think there is something to appreciate on all levels. From Andrice Arp's beautiful full color piece to the pen sketches of Anders Nilsen, there is plenty to enjoy.