Graphic Festival 2016

Bart Simpson and The Sydney Opera House don’t have much in common (except perhaps that one regrettable episode of The Simpsons). But Bart and fellow Matt Groening creations will be amongst the star attractions at this years Graphic festival.

Now in its sixth year, the festival has managed to draw together (excuse the pun!) heavyweights of comic book art, illustration, animation and music in a two-day program of screenings, talks and displays – all in Sydney’s most prestigious venue.

“It’s amazing that an organisation like Sydney Opera House will put all of their heft behind recognising these art forms as valid,” remarks co-curator Jordan Verzar.

Verzar has been there from the beginning. After touring comic book artists, including the very popular Jim Woodring, he formulated the concept of creating a festival and was surprised and excited when Sydney Opera House showed interest. Graphic has grown in scope and status each year since it began. The 2016 highlights include: a co-presentation by Matt Groening and Lynda Barry; a live-by-satellite Q&A with Neil Gaiman; free talks by Michael Leunig and an Australian premiere screening of George Lucas’ first film re-scored by Asian Dub Foundation and played live.

“Graphic is a festival of ‘firsts’ in so many senses,” says Verzar, explaining that the works shown are new, re-imagined or presented in an unusual way. Music, in particular, plays an important collaborative role: “It’s another emotional texture that can be used in a piece of art.” Verzar believes that all artists are cross-disciplined to some extent, and merging music and visuals is a natural fit.

“A lot of the musicians I know – they’re well versed in visual art… quite a few are avid comic collectors too!”

Apart from featured ticketed events, Graphic will have free screenings,talks, foyer displays and merchandise sales provided by Kinokuniya Books. (RB)

Nov 4 + 5, various events. Sydney Opera House. Tickets & info: graphic.sydneyoperahouse.com

BY RITA BRATOVICH