The following is an interview with gallery owner and curator Philippe Labaune on the recent launch of the Will Eisner Exhibit at the Philippe Labaune Gallery in New York City, NY. In this interview, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon chats with Labaune about the cultural impact of Will Eisner, the collaborative process of bringing the exhibition to life alongside Denis Kitchen and the Eisner estate, and more!
Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief: Congratulations on the recent launch of the Will Eisner Exhibit! As the gallery’s owner and curator, what can you share with us about the genesis behind this particular exhibit in honoring the career and cultural impact of Will Eisner?
Philippe Labaune: I’ve wanted to do an exhibition of Will Eisner’s work since we opened the gallery. He’s had such an immense influence on the comic world, not just in terms of artistic style but in how we think about storytelling in the medium. Eisner’s work transcends the typical boundaries of comics and really set the foundation for what we now know as the graphic novel. His unique approach to blending text and imagery has inspired generations of artists and writers. He didn’t just push the limits of comic art – he completely redefined what was possible in terms of narrative. Shining a light on his contributions was always something that was on my mind. So, it’s been a long time coming, and we’re excited to finally bring this exhibition to life.
What I hope people take away from this exhibition, especially younger generations who might be unfamiliar with the significance of Will Eisner’s work, is just how much he changed the way we think about comics—not just as entertainment, but as a serious artistic and literary form. Eisner was instrumental in demonstrating that comics could tell deeply personal, emotionally complex stories, that they could wrestle with serious themes and resonate on a level far beyond traditional genre expectations.
BD: For those who may be unfamiliar with the mechanics of an exhibit, how would you describe your collaborative process in working with Denis Kitchen and the Eisner estate to curate Eisner’s work included within the exhibit?
PL: This exhibition came together thanks to a wonderful collaboration with Denis Kitchen, who has been Will Eisner’s representative for the past 30 years. Denis is a well-respected figure in the comic art world, and I was fortunate enough to connect with him through a mutual friend. From there, it was a back-and-forth process – working closely with him and the Eisner estate to ensure we could secure the pieces that best represent Eisner’s groundbreaking work and his legacy.
I was thrilled when Denis told me the family of the late artist was willing to give us The Super. It is a story filled with the deep emotional weight that made A Contract With God so groundbreaking. The fact that we get to present sequentially is something really special that we have never done before. It’s a first for our gallery. We are very grateful for Denis’ help, as his expertise was crucial in making this show a reality. It’s been an exciting process, and I’m thrilled to see this show become a reality.
BD: As gallery patrons experience Eisner’s singular artistic vision and his undeniable impact on the medium, are there any conversations that you hope the exhibition may inspire?
PL: This exhibition is designed not only to showcase Will Eisner’s incredible body of work but also to spark meaningful conversations about the lasting impact he had on the world of comics. Eisner’s legacy truly changed the medium forever, establishing comics as a serious, legitimate art form rather than just a form of entertainment or escapism. His storytelling, combined with his groundbreaking artistic techniques, demonstrated that comics can tackle complex, deeply emotional subject matter—much like traditional fine art and literature.
One of my main hopes for this exhibition is that visitors leave with an understanding of how Eisner’s work helped elevate comics to a place where they are now recognized for their artistic and literary value. Our gallery is deeply committed to bridging the gap between fine art and comics, and this exhibition plays a crucial role in that mission. By presenting Eisner’s work, we’re inviting people to see that comics can be a powerful art form, one that grapples with serious themes such as identity, society, and emotion. We want people to think critically about how the medium has evolved and where it’s headed.
This conversation is something we always hope to keep building on. Comics and graphic novels are capable of conveying profound stories and experiences that speak to the heart of what it means to be human. So, I’d love to see this exhibition inspire even more appreciation and respect for the medium, and a deeper understanding of the artistic genius that has shaped it—starting with Will Eisner.
BD: Amidst the many challenges facing our community this year, Fanbase Press is focusing on the idea of “Building Your Community” to navigate a collective path forward. How do you feel that Will Eisner’s legacy might help readers to find a sense of community?
PL: Will Eisner’s legacy continues to help readers find a sense of community by demonstrating the power of storytelling to connect people across different backgrounds and experiences. Through his groundbreaking work in the comic book medium, Eisner not only transformed the genre but also created a platform for artists and readers to engage with deeper, more meaningful narratives. His exploration of personal and social issues fostered a sense of shared experience, particularly within marginalized communities.
Eisner’s Jewish identity was a central aspect of his work, and he often addressed themes of anti-Semitism, providing a space for readers to reflect on the struggles of the Jewish community. At a time when such topics were less discussed in mainstream media, his work allowed people to talk openly about their experiences and form a collective understanding of their identities. In today’s climate, where anti-Semitism is once again on the rise, this aspect of his work remains especially relevant. It underscores the importance of solidarity and dialogue within communities in the face of hate.
Eisner’s contributions go beyond simply giving a voice to those who had been marginalized—he set a precedent for the comic book medium to be a tool for reflection, empathy, and social action. His legacy is a reminder that storytelling can play an essential role in building and strengthening communities, particularly in times of division and struggle.
BD: Are there any other upcoming events or exhibitions for the Philippe Labaune Gallery that you would like to highlight for our readers?
PL: Our next exhibition at the Philippe Labaune Gallery, starting March 13, 2025, will feature the talented French artist Alexis Bruchon. This marks his third show with the gallery, and with each new exhibition, his work continues to evolve and impress.
Alexis is known for his exceptional watercolor illustrations that showcase incredible attention to detail and an eye for striking composition. His work captures not only the visual beauty of his subjects but also a sense of depth and atmosphere that draws viewers in. The meticulous craftsmanship he brings to each piece makes his work truly stand out. Over the years, he has consistently pushed his technique and storytelling abilities, and it’s clear that he’s only getting better with time.
We’re thrilled to be presenting his latest works, which promise to captivate both long-time fans of his art and new viewers alike. The exhibition offers a great opportunity to experience the progression of his artistic journey, and we’re confident that it will be a standout event. If you’re in the area, this is definitely one you won’t want to miss.
BD: Lastly, what is the best way for our readers to find more information about the Philippe Labaune Gallery and the Will Eisner Exhibit?
PL: Readers can find more information about the exhibit at our website: https://philippelabaune.com/ or through our Instagram: @philipplabaunegallery
