'James Jarvis' Vortigern's Machine Exhibition
Liberty Lower Ground Floor Menswear Department
August 28th – September 14th 2006
Available to view during store opening hours 10am – 7pm
Liberty will be retailing ‘Vortigern’s Machine’ comic book throughout the period of the exhibition.
Liberty presents an authentic comic book adventure experience. Stepping into a 3D, life size scene from illustrated storybook, ‘Vortigern’s Machine’, customers can become part of the surreal world of this epic comic strip co-written by James Jarvis and Russell Waterman. The exhibition runs from August 28th to September 14th 2006 and will be showcased within the redesigned menswear rooms.
James Jarvis, a graduate of The Royal College of Arts Illustration MA program is best known for his coveted designer toys and collectable vinyl figures. His surreal world of art toys includes humorous groups of characters such as ‘Forever Sensible Motorcycle Club, Zombies, Ages of Metal and the In Crowd.
In his second foray into the world of publishing James has teamed up with friend Russell Waterman and created an adventure comic book in the tradition of classics like Tin Tin Adventures and Asterix the Gaul. Entitled ’Vortigern’s Machine’ the book tells the tale of two friends Rusty and Wiggs and how, while wandering through their urban environment, they uncover some of life’s most pressing metaphysical questions. To answer these questions they visit their friend and mentor, Mr Vortigern who introduces them to a magic slide projector. Through this machine they are transported to a jungle land far away where they embark on a fantasy adventure in a quest to find The Great Sage of Wisdom.
To truly bring to life Jarvis drawings, Liberty are staging a 3D, life size walk in exhibition where customers can become part of this curious world by simply stepping into the scenery. Real die hard fans are free to take a mobile snap to commemorate the moment in beach side, pier character, style. Wall mounted original sketches from the comic book will also help bring to life the journey from sketch, to comic, to character and celebrate the creative talent behind this eccentric, collectable and coveted world.
As Russell himself says of inspiration for the book ‘We developed the concept with a view to seeing Vortigern’s Machine as an animated adventure. It is such a great idea and once developed beyond the pages of a comic book the possibilities are endless’ Liberty are pleased to be involved with bringing this quirky, oddball, fantastical world to life.
