EXceedO TuxEdO

Karl Wirsum

1982-83

pastel on paper

35" x 23"

In EXceedO TuxEdO, a mischievous-looking character dons formal attire, wingtip shoes, and what appears to be armor. Winsum found inspiration in Japanese art and along with the drawing's title--which emphasizes "EdO)" (present day Tokyo) in the word tuxedo--the armor could be that of a samurai warrior. The drawing resembles photographs of samaras that were favored by Western tourists in the late 19th century. The photographs were hand-colored and emphasized the white face makeup and exaggerated pink cheeks of the models.

Credit

Gift of Mark and Judy Bednar