David Clemesha’s Illustrated Rhymes

by | Jun 23, 2010 | ART

I’ve seen many modern takes on fairly tales, children’s rhymes, and the like, but none that remind me so fondly of the late Keith Haring. Clemesha’s posterous account is rife with these beauties; entire tales illustrated as a single work, words intact and beautifully scripted. I find it particularly fun to go back through his account and watch as his technique, method, and materials advance as time goes by; his first work (in this style, at least) is formatted similarly to a single-frame cartoon (a la The Far Side) and bear scant resemblance to his most recent works, save the stylistic congruences apparent through the entire series. His more recent works have text integrated into the works and fantastic use of few color elements that really pop.

Jack Be Nimble


This Little Piggy



I’ve seen many modern takes on fairly tales, children’s rhymes, and the like, but none that remind me so fondly of the late Keith Haring. Clemesha’s posterous account is rife with these beauties; entire tales illustrated as a single work, words intact and beautifully scripted. I find it particularly fun to go back through his account and watch as his technique, method, and materials advance as time goes by; his first work (in this style, at least) is formatted similarly to a single-frame cartoon (a la The Far Side) and bear scant resemblance to his most recent works, save the stylistic congruences apparent through the entire series. His more recent works have text integrated into the works and fantastic use of few color elements that really pop.

Jack Be Nimble


This Little Piggy


Ding Dong Bell


Baa Baa Black Sheep


Noah’s Arc


David & Goliath

RVA Staff

RVA Staff

Since 2005, the dedicated team at RVA Magazine, known as RVA Staff, has been delivering the cultural news that matters in Richmond, VA. This talented group of professionals is committed to keeping you informed about the events and happenings in the city.




more in art

Color at Odds: Contrast In the Lines with Dathan Kane

2:45 PMJackson Ward85F Partly CloudyPlaylist: Butter on Spotify Soul Rotation was a galvanizing experience for my return to form in the creative hemisphere. A heartfelt experience, matched by an equally warm reception. I’ll admit since then there have been some...

Timmy Danger and Punks for Presents Wrestle for Charity

I found Timmy Danger lounging casually beside a fire pit, drinking a dark beer. It was a Friday afternoon in the dying days of summer, and the man whose last name is "Danger" was looking decidedly docile. He greeted me with a warm smile and a firm handshake wearing...

Your Artistic Passport To the 2023 First Fridays Fall Kickoff

Richmond, that vibrant crucible of culture and creativity, unfolds yet again in its monthly tradition: First Fridays. This season—ah, the dawn of Fall—the experience metamorphoses into an affair of citywide celebration nestled in the artsy nucleus of Broad Street and...

In the Heat of the Night Vol. 10: Sizzlin’ Summer BBQ

In the River City, when the summer sun dips below the horizon, the nightlife ignites, pulsing with a rhythm all its own, a rocking vibe that captures the city’s true spirit. Our on-the-ground lensman, Jody Adams, has been out there, guitar pick in one hand, camera in...

Topics:

Pin It on Pinterest