Deb Lucke: The Year of the Rat and a Journey Through Contemporary Politics

The Ethan Cohen Gallery at the KuBe Art Center is proud to host The Year of the Rat, an exhibition by Deb Lucke. Drawing inspiration from 18th-century British cartoonists James Gillray and George Cruikshank, as well as the renowned French artist Honoré Daumier, Lucke presents a bold and satirical exploration of contemporary American politics.

The exhibition offers a thematic reinterpretation of the Chinese New Year: What if the Year of the Rat refused to step down for the incoming Year of the Ox? This imaginative scenario creates a world where time stands still, cleverly symbolizing modern political power struggles through humor and wit.

Deb Lucke is a multifaceted artist, graphic novelist, and comics journalist whose work seamlessly blends art and storytelling. In her pieces, sometimes the visuals take center stage, while other times the words drive the narrative. Lucke continuously pushes the boundaries of comics into the realm of fine art, as seen in her 2015 piece Barking Deer, exhibited at the Samuel Dorsky Museum and later in the 2020 Collecting Local exhibition. Her work has been featured in notable institutions, including the Holland Tunnel Gallery, the Susquehanna Art Museum, and Bard, where she created physical elements from the fictional world of one of her books.

Lucke’s comics journalism spans a wide range of topics, from the influence of Edward Gorey to politics and even tent caterpillar infestations. She is known for her dedication to drawing from life, whether it’s people or animals. One of her standout moments includes sketching live coyotes at the Trailside Zoo in Bear Mountain, showcasing her commitment to capturing reality.

Her work has appeared in prestigious publications like The New Yorker, The Nation, and Heated. In 2021, she served as the guest cartoonist for four issues of the Virginia Quarterly Review and regularly contributes to her local paper, The Highlands Current. Lucke’s accolades include American Illustration, the Society of Illustrators’ Cartoon and Comic Annual, and multiple NY Press Awards. She also participated in the 2020 edition of World War 3 Illustrated.

Lucke’s graphic novel series The Lunch Witch received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and the School Library Journal. In 2021, Amblin Entertainment acquired the film rights, with Kate McKinnon set to star, Nick Stoller as the writer, and James Bobin as the director.

Deb Lucke’s work stands at the intersection of art, humor, and politics, offering a compelling narrative that resonates with both art lovers and those keen to reflect on the world around them. The Year of the Rat is a must-see for anyone interested in how contemporary issues can be reimagined through the lens of art and satire.