Even if you don’t know Gahan Wilson’s name, chances are very good that you’ve laughed at his creations.
As one of the most legendary cartoonists of the last half century, his work appeared often in magazines like Playboy, and in National Lampoon, where his regular comic strip, “Nuts,” delved into the world of childhood trauma.
Blessed with a cunning sense of humor and a wry — if somewhat warped — world view, Wilson was also a frequent contributor to The New Yorker, both inside and out, and many of his illustrations graced the cover of that magazine over the years.
27East.com talks to Paul Winters about the past six years of Gahan Wilson‘s life.
“Being humorous helps. He knows he’s Gahan Wilson, he can talk Matisse and Picasso but can’t remember where he is,” said Winters. “I’m 65, I’ve known him since I was 10, and when I ask him who I am, he doesn’t remember. He says, ‘I don’t know, but you look like someone important to me.’”
I hadn’t realized how many New Yorker covers Gahan had done over the years.
The New Yorker showcases a few of the many.
If you can help Gahan in any way, please do.
“He doesn’t draw much, but when he does, it’s very small. He recently drew a monster holding a sign that says: ‘Glad to remain alive.’”