RoCo to feature works from Rochester illustrator

Rochester Contemporary Art Center next month will host a new exhibition of works by Dave Calver.

The exhibition will open with a reception Sept. 6 and will feature an artist talk and book signing Sept. 8.

Calver, a Rochesterian who recently moved to Palm Springs, Calif., is known for his unique illustrations; his iconic snow-people have been used since 2002 to promote the Lincoln Square Business Improvement District’s annual Winter’s Eve event in New York City.

Calver has said originally he was encouraged to draw inspiration from different artists. He was influenced by German expressionist films and industrial imagery, as well as Art Deco to some extent.

“My style has evolved over the years into something that is more my own,” Calver said in a statement. “When I look back at some of my work, some of it is very ’80s, influenced by some of the trends of the time such as the furniture and design movement called Memphis.”

In addition to his Winter’s Eve banners and artwork, Calver has illustrated book and magazine covers, billboards and subway posters, as well as a holiday card for the New York Rangers hockey team. Calver continues to produce new illustration work, graphic novels and a horror film. He recently was included in Taschen’s “100 Illustrators,” chosen as the best of the best from more than 600 illustrators, in its popular “Illustration Now” series.

Calver’s latest project is a newly published graphic novel called “Limbo Lounge,” where newly dead people in Limbo await their fate at a bar while surrounded by bored interlopers from hell. Signed copies of the book will be available during the exhibition of the same name.

“In his over 40 year career, Dave has become known as one of the best living illustrators. He has published in a variety of major magazines and newspapers including Esquire, The New York Times Magazine, Rolling Stone and The Washington Post,” said Bleu Cease, RoCo’s executive director and curator. “His distinctive work invites you to explore the wonderful worlds that he produces, creating a bridge between illustration and fine art.”

A selection from the 420 art pieces published in Calver’s new graphic novel will be exhibited in RoCo’s Lab Space, and Calver will speak about the project during his artist talk.

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