Somewhere between Gary Larson (creator of The Far Side comics) and Paul Signac (wildly underrated neo-impressionist) is a definition of what Mike Goodwin does. There’s not a name for it, but it’s funny, and it’s good.
For most of us, they’re probably the two things you aim for in daily life. It’s lovely to see them on paper, and it’s lovelier to see them on a wall, together, in a dedicated solo exhibition at Editions on Cook Street.
It’s the captioned illustration that works best, because it speaks to you on a really basic level. It’s familiar, and comfortable, and easy to digest, in a really good way. Which is why I mentioned Gary Larson at the head of this article. Because Gary Larson’s work is of a structure – make fun, but of no one in particular. Just make fun.
Comic doesn’t have to mean satire. It’s great when it does, and great when it doesn’t. It’s simply about making light of the world we’re in. Occasionally, it’s the smallest statements that do that best.
“WE SELL TOMATOES – THAT’S ALL WE SELL
WE STOCK TWENTY TWO TYPES OF TOMATO
WE ONLY SELL LUSCIOUS RED TOMATOES
TOMATOES TOMATOES
IF ITS NOT A TOMATO WE WON’T SELL IT
GET YOUR TOMATOES HERE
BUY ONE TOMATO – GET ANTOHER FOR FREE
TOMATOES
FANCY A TOMATO
DO YOU SELL CYCLE CLIPS?”
The Tomato Shop, 2024
It almost reads as satirical poetry. And it’s basic. Beyond basic. But it makes you smile.
And then next to this simple illustration is an ambitious series of paintings with neon signs embedded into them, and each of the larger framed comics around the room have spectacularly delicate text carved into their mounts, with moments of illustrative brilliance drawing on neo-impressionists and the 1920’s print-press fashions that went with it.
I’m fascinated by Mike Goodwin’s work. Because it’s brave enough to be simple, and simple enough to be fun.
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Mike Goodwin’s exhibition at Editions on Cook Street is open until 8th July
Words, Patrick Kirk-Smith