Sexties really is a criminal name for an exhibition. Not only is it an awful pun, it’s just not punny (I’ll get my coat…)
Nonetheless, it probably is quite a good name: for the exhibition currently on at the Bozar Centre for Fine Arts (continuing until the 3rd of January 2010) combines artists hottest works from the Sixties. But this isn’t an exhibition of erotica: rather it is an exhibition showing how four prominent artists managed to change the art of comic strips from being just for children, to something everybody can enjoy.
The artists on show truly are exceptional and it is sensible Sexties is in Brussels as it features three Belgians – Eric Losfeld, Paul Cuvelier, and Guy Peellaert. Nevertheless, arguably the centrepiece of the exhibition is the work of the Frenchman Jean-Claude Forest. He will be remembered by history for turning Barbarella into the first adult comic and this work will be on show at the exhibition.
Adult comics were incredibly important in inspiring sexual liberation. But they are also an art-form in of themselves, with the drawings (in particular those of Cuvelier) incredibly intricate and a hugely interesting study of the human form.
It is easy to perceive this as an exhibition merely for those who are interested in erotica. But this would be a huge mis-appraisal of the exhibition.
Sexties is interesting as in insight into life in the Sixties. but perhaps most importantly, any art lover must appreciate comic strips: they combine humour and art, two terrific barometer of cultural development, and it is for this reason, that Sexties is worth a visit for people other than giggling teenagers.
Photos Bozar Entrance by Je Poirrier
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