Went to a show of support for Munich’s Amerikahaus, which was a last minute attempt to save this organisation that’s been at this location for more than fifty-five years. Perhaps it’ll continue in some form, but the American-Bavarian cultural centre will never be the same. It’s a sad moment in the history of the city.
But one of the nicest aspects of this place’s existence (did I mention it probably won’t exist much longer? I did, didn’t I?) is that you’re never quite sure what you’ll find there. Today was a perfect example of this. As I was leaving the event, I saw some posters for an exhibit.
Turns out the show was upstairs and I was there during opening hours. I had time before the football was to start. Why not take a look? Am so glad I did, and I think you will be similarly pleased.
What was it called? ‘The Rejection Collection: The Best Cartoons the New Yorker Never Published‘. I am here to tell you, this was much better than you might expect. They were not kept from publication due to lack of hilarity. There was some pronounced hilarity. Some of it was dark and a tad depraved. Am I going to shield you from that part? No. No, I am not.
‘I don’t know how to tell you this, but I’ve found someone new‘
‘Those perverts from National Geographic are filming us again‘
‘A whorehouse? Tomorrow? I wanted for us to go to the Guggenheim‘
‘I came as soon as I heard‘
‘Zen litter box‘
(Wonder why they didn’t see fit to publish this one)
‘I’m looking for the necktie that says, “I don’t wear underpants.“‘
(I’m crying with laughter at this one. It’s sick and twisted and dark. And I love it.)
‘Grandpa, what’s going on here? Didn’t they have colour film at Auschwitz?’
‘Hand over the sandwich, or I’ll shit on your parents‘
(Some of these cartoonists have some potential aggression when it comes to cats)
‘Perhaps my biggest influence was Pollock‘
I’ve known quite a few percussionists. Some of whom played in an orchestra. I assure you several of them can sympathise with the fellow holding a pistol to his head. Enjoy:
“Perhaps my biggest influence was Pollack.” Bwahahahah. The turtle one is great, too. The seagull wins, though. Wins.
Glad you liked them. I was standing looking at these cartoons thinking, ‘A true idler would share these on his blog’. So, I have. Gladly.
I can’t pick a favourite, but I almost snorted my lunch out my nose when I saw the one with the kid with the eye injury.
That’s how I felt. They were all good, but that one was painful and funny on so many levels. I’m sure we all see ourselves as that kid some of the time.
(nods)
Giggling in a most unseemly manner here. Yes, Pollock was my favourite I think and I can see why the editor thought better of printing some of them. What a brilliant show and thanks for finding and sharing it!
My pleasure Fay. Glad it’s attracted such good response.
I love this. I can just imagine you coming upon this collection. I think it was there just for you. No one else would have appreciated it as much.
Favorite German discovery of the day: “In den Puff” apparently means “A whorehouse.” Hee! Puff.
Sorry about the Amerikahaus. I read about it when you mentioned it last month. What a shame.
Reblogged this on Vague Magazine.
I love the Zen litter box!