WESTERN EXHIBITIONS Eric Lebofsky 2009

October 16 to November 14, 2009

ERIC LEBOFSKY
Superfreaks
images | interview
press: Chicago Art Review | Chicagoist

Eric Lebofsky presents selections from a new drawing series, "Superfreaks." Starting on his 32nd birthday and continuing until his 33rd in August 2010, Lebofsky will post one Superfreak drawing a day on his blog, http://superfreaks.tumblr.com/. WesternXeditions will publish a book reproducing the drawings in 2010.

What is a Superfreak? Lebofsky defines it a superhero whose powers are derived from character flaws and/or transgressive behaviors, distinguishable from their civilian counterparts only by ornate costumery and/or literal embodiment of their issues. Lebofsky draws these characters in a graphic style with clean lines and the occasional snippet of idiosyncratic descriptive text, like how he describes “The Analysand”:

Disgruntled over his progress under psychoanalysis, this villain-to-be attempted to obtain a PhD in psychology, thinking it would allow him to jump to the end of the line, as it were. His outfit was a spontaneous emanation borne of research for his dissertation. Now, he is taunted by the nearness of his own “super nipple,” forever just out reach…

Lebofsky’s heroes explore common human frailties like passive-aggression, neurosis, and anxiety. Some offer a unique take on more conventional superhero powers like ESP. They are introspective yet identifiable, as we recognize our fears and imperfections in their powers. Most of Lebofsky’s chareacters are invented, though he occasionally assimilates characters from TV, film and literature, like Gary Numan posing as Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation, or a Silentist from Ben Marcus’ novel Notable American Women.

This is Eric Lebofsky’s third show with Western Exhibitions – his last show in 2008 featured 6 sculptures, an entirely new medium for him. Lebofsky’ practice is multidisciplinary– in addition to drawing and sculpting, he paints, writes, and is a saxophonist, singer, and composer who performs with the band Avagami. Lebofsky’s solo shows include Miller Block Gallery in Boston and Sears Peyton Gallery in New York and he has been included in group shows at Corbett vs. Dempsey in Chicago, Gavin Brown’s Enterprise and Participant, Inc, in New York. His artist books are in the collections of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Avagami recently released their debut album, “Metagami” on Lens Records. Lebofsky received his BA from Columbia University in New York and his MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He lives and works in Chicago.