Topic: Comic Book Character Designs

BORDERS & GUTTERS: The Personal in Sequential Art—A group art exhibition opens at Broward College, South Campus featuring nine South Florida narrative illustration artists.

Throughout the art exhibition, The South Gallery will hold artist workshops. Every session will contain a discussion and demonstration by the featured artist on their particular area of expertise in comics. The community, educators, and students are all welcome to attend and participate in these free workshops, which will all take place on the following Mondays from 12 to 1:30 p.m.:

March 25, 2024: Carina Irastorza - The Color of Comics
April 1, 2024: Adrian Alvarez - Simple Form Language & Cartoons
April 8, 2024: Isaiah Torok - Comic Book Character Designs
April 15, 2024: Jonathan Rowson - Screenplay
April 29, 2024: Ed Rosas - Panel Composition & Arrangement

If people failed to understand comics, it was because they defined what comics could be too narrowly . . . The potential of comics is limitless and exciting.
Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art

Sequential art is frequently restricted to the spaces found in comic book stores and conventions since it is not typically seen as a valid art form. However, because this kind of art uses visual cues to convey a certain narrative, it requires highly developed design and sketching abilities, which are also used in more conventionally recognized and appreciated art forms. It also necessitates a thorough understanding of both cinematography and creative writing. Every sequential artist takes years of concentrated dedication and persistence to establish their unique voice and style.

As a part of the gallery's Curator's Co-Lab program, exhibiting artist and lecturer Eduardo Rosas has organized this group art exhibition, which showcases nine emerging South Florida artists who specialize in narrative illustration. The artwork in Borders and Gutters deviates from the popular trope of superheroes and villains. Instead, it will feature pieces that draw from the underground world of Sequential Art, where the actions of each of the nine artists' distinctively rendered characters explore actual human truths and personal experiences.

Viewers will gain insight into the comic book creation process, distinct stylistic approaches, and—above all—the creative possibilities of the medium and practice through this exhibition.

Additionally, some of the exhibiting artists will be doing four separate free on-campus story illustration workshops throughout the semester, which will coincide with the show. Details will be available in the Gallery's Instagram (@bcsouthcampusart).

Exhibiting Artists' Instagrams
Adrian Alvarez - @doubleaillustrations
Carina Irastorza - @toomanybloops
Isaiah Torok - @fell.dragon.islayah.t
Israel Lee - @israelleedesign
Jonathan Rowson - @jonathan_rowson
Mariana Gonzalez - @marii_creates
Ray Reynet - @rayreynet
Michael Aponte - @castofmarsstudios
Ed Rosas - @edillustration

Exhibition Dates and Hours
March 22 - September 12, 2024

Opening Reception: March 22: 6 - 9 p.m.

Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Borders & Gutters is made possible in part with support from the Broward County Cultural Division.