Press Release
Artist Michael Alan to do live line-drawing performance during Comedy Fundraiser
April, 2011
The Paul Klebnikov Fund is pleased to announce special guest Michael Alan at its May 4th benefit at Caroline's on Broadway: "Laughter and Chains: Is Russia Funny?" Alan, whose work has been compared to that of Egon Schiele, will make line drawings on the walls during the event for the benefit of the Paul Klebnikov Fund. Alan said, "I am honored to make line drawings on the walls in honor of the worlds and life of this great man….I am here to make art that helps and touches the human condition."
The event — a combination of skits and lively conversation about humor — features top comedians, journalists, and authors, including Aasif Mandvi (comedian, actor & correspondent for The Daily Show), Jeff Kreisler (author and comedian), Joe Garden (Editor of The Onion), Allison Silverman (former head writer, The Colbert Report), Andy Levy (humorist and commentator, Fox News Red Eye), and Katya Kronhaus (Deputy Editor, Bolshoi Gorod, Moscow and 2011 Paul Klebnikov Civil Society Fellow). NPR's John Hockenberry (co-host, The Takeaway, WNYC) will be master of ceremonies.
The Paul Klebnikov Fund, named after the American-born first editor of Forbes Russia who was assassinated in Moscow in 2004, hosts Russian journalists in New York, enabling them to meet their US peers, work and write on subjects of interest and improve their use of Western-style reporting techniques. Musa Klebnikov, widow of Paul, said "We wanted to emphasize humor at this event, because the Katya Kronhaus' work combines journalism and activism, both in print and digital media, and always with a caring and witty voice. She is very attuned to what is going on around her and changes methods for sending out important social messages. I think she will complement Michael Alan's sensitivity and ability to work as part of an ongoing group event." Musa also notes that, when Michael offered "to throw some love around," it was clear that the mood was going to be great!
About the artist:
Michael Alan was born in the summer of 1977, in New York City during blackout. His work has been featured in 7 New York solo shows and over 200 group shows. His work has been discussed in over 200 publications, books and media sources, including the New York Times, NBC's Today Show, Marie Claire Italia, Art+Auction, Art Info, The New York Post, Fox Channel 5, the Village Voice's "Best in Show," Time Out New York, and the New York Press. In addition to his work as a solo artist, Michael is the founder and director of The Living Installation, where he transforms human beings into unique, living art objects. He currently lives and works in Brooklyn.
