Dead Apes in the Snow

Dead Apes in the Snow, by Liam Sharp, Madefire

NOMINALLY AN art book, Liam Sharp has taken the wholly pragmatic view, to my mind, that creativity does not work in a chronological manner, and by extension nothing is ever finished but sometimes you have to let go of it for commercial publishing considerations.

Thus there are works in progress, celebrated works, pivotal drawings done during a life’s career and some stuff that simply by chance hadn’t previously seen the light of day. There are notes too, some by himself (commentaries on the art, but also a short story, and a brief critique or observation on art itself) and by others, not all simply heaping praise but saying something about the character of the man, and friendships shared.

Liam Sharp has never hid from his influences, but he’s used the lessons he’s found in such art studies and continued to try to push the envelope creatively in the work he does. That he’s done it so consistently well over the years in evident in this collection. From barbarians to superheroes, and raging robots to sad old ladies, it appears there actually is something here for everyone.

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