New characters by Cartoonist Ken Allen

Latest news from Interactive Arts

02-Feb-2008

Ken’s Vodou characters are available for sale at Interactive Arts. 9380 6539 www.interactivearts.com.au and plan to feature this work at an exhibition once a venue is available.

Vodou is defined at Meta-Religion.com as: Vodun (a.k.a. Vodoun, Voudou, Voodoo, Sevi Lwa) is commonly called Voodoo by the public. The name is traceable to an African word for "spirit". Vodun's can be directly traced to the West African Yoruba people who lived in 18th and 19th century Dahomey... Today, there are two virtually unrelated forms of the religion: 1. the actual religion, Vodun practiced in Benin, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Haiti, Togo and various centers in the US - largely where Haitian refugees have settled. 2. An evil, imaginary religion, which we will call Voodoo. It has been created for Hollywood movies, complete with "voodoo dolls", violence, bizarre rituals, etc. It does not exist in reality, except in the minds of most non-Voduns.

As part of the inspiration and respect to these spiritual characters, Ken has selected a charity for each spirit and 30% of the Artist profits will be donated to these. For example for Papa Legba the recipient is Earthwise Community Group. For the other 4 spirits the organizations to receive donations are Breast Cancer Foundation of WA and New Orleans Musicians Relief Fund.

Papa Legba stands at a spiritual crossroads and gives (or denies) permission to speak with the spirits of Vodou and is believed to speak all human languages. His permission is needed for any communication between mortals and the lwa (Vodou spirits) - he opens and closes the doorway. He usually appears as an old man on a crutch or with a cane and many keys.

30% of Artists profits will be Donated to Earthwise Community Group – who support the local community in a number of creative ways and who opened the door to the Junkadelic project which allowed these spirit illustrations to be created. www.communitygarden.org.au/news/wa.html

Ken is a cartoonist, illustrator, community artist, carnival drummer, band manager, festival float builder and event organizer, Ken has worked to bring visual and performing arts into people’s lives for many years. Ken is founder and band member of Junkadelic Percussion Group and the Chameleon Brass Band. Ken works with a Perth graphic designer , Kel Corbett, who creates the backgrounds to all his characters; West Australian born Graphic designer grew up in the Kimberleys and the Perth Hills. Completed an Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design at Central TAFE and now beginning a Bachelor of Arts (Design) at Curtin University. Working with The Sunday Times since 2003 and freelance design for private clients; founding member of the Treehouse Collective a design/photography business.

Interactive Arts is a business providing a diverse range of arts, gifts and cards for sale and music and events. We promote artists, musicians, designers and their work with the aim to broaden Arts audiences and to develop new audiences.

For further information and to arrange interviews please contact: Fleur AllenInteractive Arts (08) 9380 6539 0412 473 248 fleur@interactivearts.com.au