The Chicagoist will be launching later but in the meantime please enjoy our archives.

Tara McPherson Book Signing at Rotofugi

By Jen Hazen in Arts & Entertainment on Apr 20, 2009 4:20PM

2009_04_mcpherson.jpg
Image by Tara McPherson
There’s a hint of melancholy in the eyes of artist Tara McPherson’s characters—wan, porcelain faces that remind us of a cross between Blythe Dolls and the lovably macabre creatures born from Tim Burton’s brain. If you’re a fan of the scary fairytale style, head to Rotofugi this Saturday where McPherson will be signing her latest book, Lost Constellations. Published by Dark Horse comics, this new release chronicles the NYC-based artist’s most recent paintings, drawings, and sculpture. Also on display will be McPherson’s new Kidrobot mini-figure series, Gamma Mutant Space Friends.

Since attending art school in California, McPherson has steadily ascended to the top of the "low-brow" art scene. She worked on Matt Groening’s "Futurama" as an intern, and in 2002, began to introduce her own cast of seductive characters to the world by placing them on rock posters. Her portfolio quickly expanded to include commercial illustrations for clients like Pepsi, PS2, and Warner Brothers, as well as sculptures, paintings, and serigraphs that have been exhibited in fine art galleries around the world. Oh, and her art was also featured in a little film named "Juno."

Rotofugi Gallery, 1955 W Chicago, Mini-Exhibit Saturday, April 25, 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. & Sunday, April 26, 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. Book signing Saturday, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. only