Meet the Artist: Harvey Pekar

Meet the Artist: Harvey Pekar

:: The above image is a color sketch of the collaboration between Harvey Pekar & Tara Seibel, not the final work. ::

Why have you chosen to participate in Manifest Equality?

When I heard about this exhibit from my Pekar Project editor Jeff Newelt, I knew right away I wanted to capture my experience of the moment of March 4th, 1970 as a large scale painting, not a comic. It's called "American Splendor: Kent State Shootings Demonstration" and Tara Seibel did a terrific job capturing my memory.

Describe a bit about your submission to the gallery or the creative process you are putting into it.

In 1970, I was working near Case Western Reserve University when the Kent State shootings happened. My bosses were liberal with me, and I had some break time, so I went out to join in the demonstration at Case Western. I went out and there were mobs of people, and they were marching and chanting  "Join us! Join us!" So I joined them. i never forgot that and this painting is a perfect way to remember that moment.

What else do you want to manifest?

I don't know what kind of power I have to influence, but through my writing I'd like to bring the world a little closer to peace and equality.

:: You can read Harvey's newest autobiographical comics on the Pekar Project at SMITH Magazine. You can watch Paul Giamatti play Harvey and Harvey play himself in the Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning film version of his life and work: American Splendor. ::

Posted By: Manifest Equality