Melancholy Menagerie: A Gaze Into the World of Big Eyes

Decorative consumer art flourished in the 1960s. Artists, many working under pseudonyms, cranked out artworks with adorable characters, bright-eyed and innocent yet lonely, melancholy, and maybe even menacing. Artworks by famed Keane, Eden and Lee were so popular in the 60s that the images have become iconic after nearly 4 decades. Melancholy Menagerie will delve into the idea of why its had a resurgence in contemporary art. It will pay homage to the early artists and recognize them as influences on a current art movement that continues to popularize these charming figures of sadness.