Edward Koren: The Capricious Line

“Mr. Koren can be funny, psychologically acute and philosophically provocative. He has a pitch-perfect feel for gag lines, and with his scribbly draftsmanship has forged one of the most distinctive styles in cartooning.”

– Ken Johnson, New York Times

“The New Yorker‘s finest social critic of his generation and milieu.”

– Richard Gehr, The Comics Journal

This exhibition celebrates the career of Edward Koren, renowned cartoonist, graphic satirist, and long-standing contributor to The New Yorker. Through approximately 50 original pen and ink as well as watercolor cartoons, Koren’s “capricious line” deftly articulates the neurosis of contemporary society with a distinctive drawing style, relatable characters, and wry criticism.

Edward Koren presents works spanning five decades drawn from his more than 1,000 published cartoons and covers in The New Yorker. Also featuring many never-before-seen independent drawings that highlight his savvy intellect and innovative technique, Koren delights in portraying man’s relationship to society and nature through imaginary beasts, comedic societal interactions, and humorous commentaries on art. This exhibition not only honors the accomplishments of Koren as a beloved cartoonist but also demonstrates his skill as an artist. The full-scale, heavyweight ink drawings—which until now have only been experienced as postcard-sized images in the pages of The New Yorker—showcase his mastery of illustration and his command of comedic understatement.

Koren’s satiric art addresses diverse social, cultural, and environmental issues. Straddling a world of imaginative beasts and the brutal, but often hilarious, banality of everyday life allows Koren to flourish in his role as society’s keen observer and sharp critic. Through this impressive collection of works, Koren shares the sheer fun and joy of drawing with his audiences. These innovative illustrations demonstrate the psychological, philosophical, and comical talents of Koren’s pen.

Artist’s Bio

Edward Koren has long been associated with the The New Yorker magazine, where he has published over 1000 cartoons, as well as numerous covers and illustrations. He has also contributed to many other publications, including The New York Times, Newsweek, Time, G.Q., Esquire, Sports Illustrated, Vogue, Fortune, Vanity Fair, The Nation and The Boston Globe.

Born in New York City, Koren attended the Horace Mann School and Columbia University. He did graduate work in etching and engraving with S. W. Hayter at Atelier 17 in Paris, and received an MFA degree from Pratt Institute. He was on the faculty of Brown University for many years. He lives in Vermont with his family.

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