AL HIRSCHFELD's social, political and theatrical depictions are as
significant to the history of the twentieth century as cave drawings are to
understanding pre-historic man or hieroglyphics to explaining the Egyptians. His creative caricatures made Charlie Chaplin a cinematic must and Carol
Channing a theatrical icon. To become the focus of the hand of Hirschfeld—The
Line King —was the artistic equivalent to receiving as Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony, a
Pulitzer or even the Nobel Peace Prize, as an established earmark of success. To be immortalized on his canvas was a guarantee of fame and/or historical
significance. His artistic commentary helped define the arts and, in many ways,
the nation.
Al
Hirschfeld (1903-2003) is considered
by many to be the greatest line artist of
the modern era. For more than 75 years Hirschfeld
drew luminaries from Broadway and Hollywood
for “The New York Times” and almost every
other notable publication. Full of wit and
verve, in distinctively bold and often intricate
lines, Hirschfeld captured the greats with
his pen. Actors, singers, dancers, producers,
directors, and playwrights, classical musicians
and rock bands—from the 1920’s on, being
"Hirschfelded" signified that
you had arrived. Famously, Hirschfeld drew
while seated in a barber’s chair in his
New York City studio. Hirschfeld continued
to work daily until his death in 2003.
After
the birth of his daughter, Nina, Hirschfeld
began hiding her name in his drawings, often
tucking it into an actor’s hair, clothing,
and shoes. In the 1950's Hirschfeld began
adding a number to the right of his signature
to indicate how many NINAs his drawing contained.
Finding the NINAs became a national Sunday
morning pastime.
Al
Hirschfeld was awarded the National Medal
of Arts by President George W. Bush. The
Library of Congress designated Hirschfeld
a “Living Legend.” And in February 2003,
the United States Congress by unanimous
voice vote passed a resolution declaring
Al Hirschfeld a National Treasure.
Margo
Feiden began her career at age 16 when
she became Broadway’s youngest producer,
director, and playwright, documented by
the Guinness Book of World Records (1981).
Also as a writer, she researched and authored
the scholarly award-winning Margo Feiden’s
The Calorie Factor (Simon & Schuster,
1989); Feiden won the prestigious Library
Journal Award, which cited her book as the
best written on the subject. Since 1969,
she has presided over the Margo Feiden Galleries
Ltd., New York, where she has been the exclusive,
worldwide representative of Al Hirschfeld,
about whom she has written extensively.
Feiden was the first person ever to hold
an art auction on the World Wide Web (New
York Times, Dec. 14, 1995). Her gallery
is also known for its work in the restoration
of art and documents on paper. Feiden has
appeared in documentary films and on many
television and radio programs. In addition,
she has been an avid aviatrix, camel racer,
Mensa member, and Friar. Both she and her
Gallery live in glorious Greenwich Village.
For
more information, or to request an interview
with Margo Feiden, please send an email to harlan@bhbpr.com
or call 626.296.3757
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