Mark Lombardi's Conspiracy Drawings at The Drawing Center Challenge Medium Hierarchy
The Drawing Center in Soho presents "Global Networks," showcasing 25 significant drawings by Mark Lombardi, who passed away in 2000. Lombardi crafted detailed graphite diagrams that illustrate real-world conspiracies, including the Iran-Contra affair and the Charles Keating/Lincoln Savings scandal, meticulously gathering thousands of facts from various sources onto around 14,000 index cards. His artwork resembles scientific illustrations, stepping away from conventional drawing techniques while highlighting aesthetic appeal through meticulous graphite use. From 1997 until his death, he was represented by a dealer and explored different materials, such as warm Arches paper for a 1999 exhibition. His pieces, like "World Finance Corporation and associates c. 1970–84," arrange data around themes like international law.
Key facts
- Mark Lombardi's exhibition "Global Networks" is on view at The Drawing Center in Soho.
- The show features twenty-five major drawings by the late artist.
- Lombardi created diagrams of real conspiracies like Iran-Contra and Charles Keating/Lincoln Savings.
- He used thousands of index cards and sources like the New York Times for research.
- His drawings avoid traditional artistic techniques, resembling scientific diagrams.
- Lombardi experimented with materials, including Arches paper for a 1999 show.
- He struggled with the perception of works on paper as a secondary art form.
- The exhibition is organized by Independent Curators International.
Entities
Artists
- Mark Lombardi
Institutions
- Independent Curators International
- The Drawing Center
- New York Times
- Washington Post
- L.A. Times
Locations
- Soho
- Miami
- Ajman
- Bogotá
- Caracas