The National Museum of American Illustration (NMAI) presents Tom Wolfe: Author/Illustrator an exhibition on view now.
As a marked contrast to the nostalgic images of early to mid-twentieth century Americana painted by Norman Rockwell currently on exhibit at the NMAI as part of this summer’s Norman Rockwell: American Imagist exhibition, the Museum is also exhibiting works of social satire and caricature of 1970s American life by noted author, critic and illustrator of his times Tom Wolfe, entitled In Our Time.
While Wolfe is best known for his works as an author, it is often overlooked that his talents also include illustration. The majority of artworks in the exhibition are from the author’s book by the same name, published in 1980. Wolfe captures the essence of the trends and icons of the 1970s, the ‘Me Decade’. He successfully satirizes them with the acerbic wit and keen cultural insight that he is renowned for in his prose – and it is every bit as apparent in his illustrations.
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