Monday, May 26, 2014

World Goth Day love for Benjamin Lacombe

Greetings fellow darklings, lovely to see you all again.

As I'm sure many of you know, this past Thursday, May 22nd, was World Goth Day, "a day where the goth scene gets to celebrate its own being, and an opportunity to make its presence known to the rest of the world." (www.worldgothday.com)

Here in Melbourne, World Goth Day has been celebrated in style all across the weekend. Wherever you are, I hope you've had an equally delightful celebration over the last few days of all things magnificently macabre. 

For me, in honour of this special day, I would like to share with you some of my favourite pieces by the fabulous French artist, author and illustrator extraordinaire, Benjamin Lacombe. 

Benjamin at the Cementerio de la Recoleta, Buenos Aires,
earlier this month

This gorgeous gentleman has lent his considerable talents to a number of publications, including his own, and regularly exhibits his work in galleries all over the world. I have my feathers crossed that he will one day make it down to a gallery in Melbourne. Not only would it be a thrill to see his original pieces up close, it would also be wonderful to take along one of his books for him to sign. Check out this video, where Benjamin discusses his thoughts on the art of illustration, his process, then proceeds to sign each fan's book with an original little sketch!


Screenshot from the aforementioned video

Which book would I take? As fellow fans would know, it is incredibly difficult to choose a favourite Lacombe publication, but I think mine would have to be my Archaia copy of Edgar Allan Poe's Tales of the Macabre, the lavish edition of some of Poe's best works, published in English in November 2012. If you don't already have this book in your possession, do all you can to remedy that - it is another brilliant Poe collection (reason enough right there), it is sumptuously illustrated (of course, all of Benjamin's work is Gothy gorgeous), it is beautifully bound, the pages are red-edged, and its cover is embossed with tiny skulls and Poe heads. Love.


Photos really don't do the
embossed cover justice

And now, for your viewing pleasure, some of my favourite Lacombe creations - Happy World Goth Day to you all :)


'Ligeia', Tales of the Macabre
'Berenice', Tales of the Macabre
'Ligeia', Tales of the Macabre
'The Black Cat', Tales of the Macabre
'Edward Portrait'
'Alice Meets The Cheshire Cat'
From the book 'L'enfant Silence'
From the book 'Blanche Neige'
From the book 'Blanche Neige'
From the book 'Notre Dame de Paris'
'The Evil Queen'
From the book 'L'herbier des fées'

11 comments:

  1. It pretty much goes without saying that I love Benjamin Lacombe's work! ;) I've already got the Poe collection on my Amazon Wish List. Amazon is my danger zone. I could go mental buying up books and I've already succumbed to temptation in the last week, so I'm trying to pace myself. Haha.

    Lacombe's work was a perfect way to commemorate World Goth Day and the 'L'enfant Silence' illustration is just so full of Gothic Flamingo-esque goodness! :)

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    1. It was fascinating hearing him describe his various techniques in the video. I loved the illustration of the embracing skeletons. ❤

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    2. I had a sneaking suspicion you might be a fellow Lacombe fan! I'm flattered that you associate my feathered self with the 'L'enfant Silence' piece, thank you so much! ❤

      The Amazon is indeed a dangerous place isn't it? All kinds of books waiting to strike you with their awesomeness and make your credit card bleed ;D

      I loved that video too, it's a great way to get to know the man behind the fabulous art a little better - in watching it you find yourself becoming an even bigger Benjamin fan! :)

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  2. Benjamin Lacombe is devilishly handsome, and an amazing artist all in one neat little package. I think I'd also have to include his Poe illustrations among my favourites...and I think his Edward Portrait ^^ is really sweet.

    There are no Goth Day celebrations here that I know of, but it's good to know that one exists and I usually mark the occasion by reading something dark and delicious :) So much happened this week that I completely forgot and let the day slip by without a mention.

    I'll make up for it I'm sure.

    I hope you've had a perfect weekend :)

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    1. Devilishly handsome is exactly right Winter Moon! His illustrations are so wonderful aren't they? I am not at all surprised that a lady of your excellent taste is a fellow Lacombe fan ❤

      I hope you are able to celebrate World Goth Day in a dark and delicious way very soon! :)

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  3. These are interesting illustrations indeed. Thanks for making me aware of Benjamin Lacombe and his great works. I hope your World Goth Day was as enjoyable as mine.

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    1. My absolute pleasure Nightwind, I'm delighted to have been the one to introduce you to the wonderful works of this amazing artist! I am popping over now to read about how fabulous your World Goth Day was :)

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  4. Oh WOW!! What amazing art! Thank you for introducing us to Benjamin Lacombe!
    I love his art and he is a cutey ;o)
    Big Hugs ;o)

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    1. Oh my absolute pleasure Magic Love Crow, I'm so pleased to have been the one to introduce you to this cutie and his amazing art! Big hugs to you as well, hope you're having a wonderful weekend ❤

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  5. Macabre Tales is one of my favorites. When you buy the first thing I did was to photograph and upload it to the blog, after reading course! (http://goo.gl/Z6Kmec)

    I loved photography in La Recoleta, scroll that beautiful cemetery in magic, I hope you have the opportunity to meet.

    Cheers!!

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    1. It is a gorgeous book isn't it? Your photos are lovely Merlina!

      I would love to visit that beautiful cemetery one day too - thank you for stopping by!

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