Underskog

On Friday, March 20th Blank Space will be hosting The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund in a collaborative art exhibition focusing on comic art and free speech. The show, which lasts until May 29th 2015 , is the highlight of a series of events including a lecture on March 20th, and an open panel discussion on censorship sponsored by Kulturhuset on the 21st.

About the exhibition –

In 2015, the power of comics as free expression is not an abstract notion, it’s a matter of life and death. Blank Space, in collaboration with the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, is inviting cartoonists to create short comics commenting on the struggle for free expression as it impacts their own work, and society at large for an exhibition opening on March 20.

This exhibition, which has gathered comic artists and illustrators from all over Norway and the world, features work in all formats and types, from sketches to final illustrations, short stories and murals. It is a celebration of comics in all their diverse forms and a confirmation of the beauty of artists and writers ability to express themselves freely, without fear of prosecution or, worse, death. Visual narratives, such as comics and graphic novels, have a unique ability to connect with audiences. Perhaps from a direct lineage of ancient story tellers and bards, comics and graphic novels have won a place in mainstream culture’s hearts for its talent to directly relay a story to its readers, filled with honesty, emotion, and personal stories that bring empathy and relatability to its audience. (Or, monsters, super heros, and talking animals. And many times both.)

On Friday March 20th, from 18:00 – 21:00, Blank Space will host the opening exhibition. That morning, March 20th, a lecture will be hosted on censorship held by Charles Brownstein, Chief Executive of The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund in New York City. On March 21st at 17:00, Kulturhuset will be hosting a full, open, and free, panel discussion on the topic of censorship and comic rights.

All proceeds from these events go directly towards funding the non-profit organization The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, an organization that has worked with names such as Neil Gaiman, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Jeff Smith, Dark Horse, Image, DC and more to help represent comics in the legal world. They give free legal representation to persecuted artists and authors, distributors and audiences to help secure free speech rights.

About Blank Space –

Blank Space is an artist run facility that strives to fill the gaps present in the art world today, from artist to buyer as well as artwork to audience. They strive to open back up the transference of ideas from outsiders and strike down the exclusivity of art. While currently functioning primarily as a gallery that focuses on contemporary applications of traditional skills, they also offer workshops and classes to anyone, beginner or master, wanting to understand the craft better. In the future, they hope to expand to offer a full printing / painting studio to the public, as well as offer full-time courses in various fields of art. They will host discussions, lectures, and special exhibits from special artists across the world.
They are located 5 minutes from Oslo S by bus, in the up and coming district of Kværnerbyen.

Contact:
Turbinveien. 3, 0195 Oslo
(+47) 46 76 45 67
www.blankspaceoslo.com
[email protected]