Gus Arriola’s “Gordo” comic strip, published from 1941 to 1985, can be seen as a captivating example of modernism in the realm of comics. Arriola’s innovative approach to storytelling and artistic style reflected the changing cultural landscape of the time. With its witty humor, social commentary, and complex character development, “Gordo” challenged traditional comic strip conventions and embraced a sophisticated narrative structure. Arriola’s fusion of Mexican-American culture and his use of vibrant, fluid lines in his artwork introduced a dynamic aesthetic to the world of comics, making “Gordo” a groundbreaking and enduring piece of modernist art.

Curated by Nhora Lucía Serrano, the exhibition consists of works from the collections of the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at The Ohio State University.