Romanian comic art publications, Hardcomics and Aooleu, will be present at the 8th edition of MoCCA Art Festival, one of the largest comic and cartoon art festivals in the U.S., featuring over 100 participant publications from all around the world and inviting dozens of well-respected creators, scholars, and other experts to participate in a two-day slate of lecture/discussion panels on a wide range of comics and cartoon topics. With RCINY support, Romanian visual artist Matei Branea will present for the first time Romanian comics, mini-comics, web comics, animation, posters, and original artwork to American comics enthusiasts.
Hardcomics' journey began in 2002, the birthchild of Serbian graphic designer Milos Jovanovic and Romanian animator Matei Branea, to be later joined by street artist Andy Sinboy. It was launched as a response to a particular problem: comics simply didn't exist in Romania. The meeting of these comic fans spawned Romania's first independent comic book publication. The first issue, called "Aaarghh," was made by Romanian painter and illustrator Roman Tolici, a bizarre, neurotic and abstract compilation of sex, violence, love and beauty. The second issue was by Matei Branea and his lovably chainsmoking character Omulan. The third issue featured a compilation of Romanian comics, professional or amateur, with different styles from 28 artists. Since then, Hardcomics has featured the works of more than 170 Romanian and European comic artists and it was presented in comic art festivals around Europe.
In June 2008, the Hardcomics team started another daring project: the first Romanian comic art newspaper: Aooleu, published with the support of the Romanian Cultural Institute through its Cantemir Program, and distributed for free in various locations in Romania and around the world.
SAT-SUN, June 6-7
MUSEUM OF COMIC AND CARTOON ART FESTIVAL
69th Regiment Armory
Lexington Avenue and 25th Street, NYC
Read more:
Aooleu
Hardcomics
Check out the interviews with visual artist Brynjar Abel Bandlier, featured in the latest issue, "Strimb Life, Hardcomics 9," at the book release party in April 2009: 1 & 2
