It’s a ¿@#!*$ exhibition and comics events thing in Belfast, innit…

By John Freeman on April 11, 2011

¿@#!*$

What this unpronounceable series of symbols stands for is; ‘an exhibition and series of events incorporating the artistic mediums of Comics, Illustration and Zine making’.

Exhibiting Artists are Malcy Duff, who will also be appearing, Travis Millard, Tom Gauld, Simone Lia, Chris Ware, Fionnuala Doran and Phil Barrett.

Alongside the visual treat that is the work of the exhibiting artists, Belfast-based Catalyst Arts will also play host to a library full of zines and comics from all over the place – “Basically anything we could get our hands on,” say the orgaaisers.

Then as if that wasn’t enough, there will be series of events running throughout the duration of the exhibition to keep things interesting, details of which can be found below.

• Catalyst Arts presents ¿@#!*$: 15th April – 7th May; Preview Thursday 14th April, 7pm – 10pm; 5 College Court, Belfast, BT1 6BS

Events
• ‘Absence’ Launch Party
7.30pm – 9:30pm, Thursday 21st April, Catalyst Arts Gallery
Local Artists Andy Luke (Gran, Don’t Get lost) and Stephen Downey (Cancertown, Slaughterman’s Creed) launch their latest work ‘Absence’.

• Secret Cinema
Location and Time: Unknown
Follow ‘Sweet Or Salted’ on facebook. If you want any more information… don’t be silly, it is a secret isn’t it.

• Comic/Zine fair
12pm – 5pm Saturday 23rd April, Catalyst Arts Gallery
On Saturday 23rd April the Gallery space will be handed over to creators of comics, zines and all things illustrative. Stalls will be set up pedaling wares ranging from cakes to comics, posters to bags, zines to doodles on pieces of paper… you get the idea.

Stalls are FREE but spaces are limited, so if you are interested in reserving one then please contact catalystarts@gmail.com

• Pretty Circus presents ‘Live Music & Live Drawing’ 7pm – 1am, Sunday 1st May, Catalyst Arts Gallery
The collective Pretty Circus arrange a night of live performance with music and illustration combining for a unique take on the collaboration of the two art-forms.

• ‘The Simpsons’ live comic performance by Malcy Duff
8pm Thursday 5th May, Catalyst Arts Gallery, Belfast

• ‘The Dog Walking Technique’: Drawing/Comic Storytelling Workshop
11am – 3pm, Saturday 7th May, Catalyst Arts Gallery, Belfast
Lunch Provided free
On Saturday 7th May, Artist Malcy Duff will be running a free workshop based around;non-traditional approaches to drawing, and comic storytelling, exploring new possibilities in form and narrative. Malcy uses sensory drawing to create ideas and/or characters, and have specific techniques that he has designed to lead these into making comix

Spaces are limited, if you are interested in taking part please RSVP to catalystarts@gmail.com to book a place.

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.