Peter de Sève's "City Dwellers" Opens at Philippe Labaune Gallery, October 29–November 28

Philippe Labaune Gallery presents "Peter de Sève: City Dwellers," running October 29 through November 28. De Sève, an inductee of the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame, describes a shift in his practice: much of his career output served assignments, from article illustration to character design for animated films. With editorial work and freelance character design opportunities declining, he now produces images primarily for his own enjoyment. A large share of the new work was made with The New Yorker in mind; he pitched the pieces to the magazine while knowing many stood little chance of acceptance, using that aim as motivation to commit them to paper. The exhibition also includes a section of loose drawings and sketches made without any assignment, which de Sève says he values as much as the finished pieces. Most of these were executed spontaneously, without prior planning, and he characterizes completing each one as a victory. Works on view include "Easter Bunny and March Hare," "Toy Story," "Nightlife," "Lap Dog," "Scarecrow," "Crossroads," "Goblin Party" and "Ancient Grease." The show follows de Sève's previous exhibition at the same gallery.