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"Dedini: The Art of Humor," centers on cartoonist Eldon Dedini, who led a double life of sorts.
Dedini (1921-2006) contributed gag cartoons to numerous magazines but enjoyed long associations with two:
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No pair of publications probably differ more dramatically in content, tone or intended readership, and Dedini adjusted his work accordingly.
were more than a little bawdy.
By 1950, Dedini had found his way into
The New Yorker. Although the black-and-white cartoons on view are rarely riotous, they reflect their creator’s sardonic sense of humor.
In a panel from that year, a line of newly enlisted soldiers stand with armfuls of fatigues and boots; at the end of the line, a drill sergeant hands out comic books. The image pokes fun at the soldiers’ immaturity but also evokes sympathy; after all, considering the year of publication, the young men might well be on their way to fight in the Korean War.
Dedini expertly used captions to enhance his cartoons. In a 1972 panel, a jolly man in pajamas stands at his window. The caption, however, is at odds with the seemingly cheerful drawing: “Today I’m going to be unaware, uninvolved, uncommitted, and self-centered.” Dedini was in sync with the times; this is the perfect cartoon for the so-called “Me Decade.”
When Dedini began drawing for
Playboy in 1959, the artist was able to let loose, working in full color and often having entire pages to himself.
“For a gag cartoonist, that’s a great gig to get — to have the full page of a magazine, and color as well,” Robb said.
Dedini frequently targeted Puritanism, seeming to agree with journalist H.L. Mencken’s description of that world view: “The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy.”
In a 1962 panel, two priests comment on a snazzy club into which playboys swarm with dates on their arms; adjacent to the club is the clerics’ church. The caption reads: “Well, you can save some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can’t save all of the people all of the time.”
On the other hand, hippies are subjected to his sarcasm in a December 1968 panel. Two elaborately outfitted nonconformists gaze glumly at a simple tabletop Christmas tree. “Looks a bit dull, doesn’t it?” asks the bead-bedecked man.
The exhibit further illustrates Dedini’s versatility with 10 spot-on caricatures of figures ranging from George H.W. Bush to Anais Nin.
The free exhibits
"Dedini: The Art of Humor" and
"Wordless: The Collection of David A. Berona" continue through May 22 at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum in Sullivant Hall, 1813 N. High St., at Ohio State University.
Hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
Call 614-292-0538, or visit
cartoons.osu.edu
