Edward Koren: The Capricious Line

Edward Koren: The Capricious Line celebrates the five-decade career of renowned cartoonist and long-standing contributor to The New Yorker, Edward Koren. This exhibition profiles approximately 50 original works on paper, many displayed for the first time. Edward Koren: The Capricious Line was developed by the Wallach Art Gallery at Columbia University and encompasses an eclectic set of themes Koren tackles with his wry, astute criticism. Curated by Diane Fane and David Rosand and organized for tour by International Arts & Artists, Washington D.C.

With over 1,000 cartoons published in The New Yorker since 1962, Koren’s distinctive style and relatable characters deftly articulate the neurosis of contemporary society. Touching on a diverse set of issues ranging from parenting to man’s relationship to nature, Koren creates succinct scenes that portray man’s awkward rapport to the environment. In contrast to other cartoonists’ aggressively political caricatures, Koren’s decidedly non-confrontational tone uses psychological acuteness and philosophical provocation to elicit laughs and stimulate thought.

The Capricious Line not only honors the accomplishments of this beloved cartoonist but also asserts his status as an artist. The full-scale, heavyweight ink drawings which have up until now only been experienced as postcard sized images in the pages of the New Yorker highlight his mastery of drawing. Koren’s art is all about drawing and the imaginative worlds it can unveil and record. Through this impressive collection of works, Koren shares the sheer fun and joy of drawing with his audiences. These innovative illustrations demonstrate the psychological, philosophical, and comical talents of Koren’s pen. 

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website