Tabou Cie (1 results)

Unbound. Condition: Near Fine. Color watercolor and gouache illustrations on textured paper. 8.5" x 9.75". Overall near fine with some light wear and scattered light creasing, with one image subtly rubbed at a few places. Vignettes of couples in various stages of inebriation, dancing, and flirting, with dogs and mice in each illustration. The dogs, either French poodles or schnauzers, are (variously) lifting their leg, up at the bar drinking the cocktails through a straw, or dealing with the mice. The walls of the club are covered in graffiti and cobwebs. The graffiti spoofs Existentialism and Bebop culture. One club is called "La Rose Noire [Cafe Existentialiste]" with the band called "l'Ensemble Be-Bop." The cartoon is entitled "La Nausee" referencing Sartre, with the clubgoers looking hungover. Another is entitled "Indigenes de St. Germain de Pres," with two beboppers at the bar. Other graffiti is playful: "Alcool Tue Lentement [Alcohol Kills Slowly]." "Vive Sartre et le Coca Cola" is crossed out, with "vendu aux U.S.A. [Sold to the U.S.A.]" underneath. Other graphics include hearts with girls' names, nude women, and a gallows. Apparently the work of the mysterious artist, Tabou & Cie, with each work titled and numbered on the verso. A charming and vibrant collection of humorous French illustrations.