Hemingway in Comics

Ernest Hemingway casts a long shadow in literature, reaching beyond his status as a giant of twentieth-century fiction and a Nobel Prize winner—extending even into comic books. Appearing with various icons such as Superman, Mickey Mouse, and Wolverine, Hemingway transcends his reality as a novelist as his persona develops into a pop culture icon.

The exhibition Hemingway in Comics provides a unique and entertaining lens for considering one of America’s most influential authors through themes that explore his origin story as well as his legendary iconic personas, both fact and fiction. In several appearances across multiple languages, Hemingway is often portrayed as the hypermasculine legend: bearded, boozed up, and ready to throw a punch. But just as often, comic book writers see past the bravado to the person, grappling with his own demons. Hemingway’s role in these comics ranges from the divine to the ridiculous, as his image is recorded, distorted, lampooned, and whittled down to its core.

Exhibition curator Robert K. Elder notes that comic book creators and Hemingway share a natural kinship. The comic book page demands an economy of words, much like Hemingway’s less-is-more “iceberg theory,” only in graphic form. In addition, he turned out to be the perfect avatar for comic book artists wanting to tell history-rich stories, as he experienced beautiful places during the most chaotic times: Paris in the 1920s, Spain during the Spanish Civil War, Cuba on the brink of revolution, France during World War II just after liberation. Elder’s research into Hemingway’s comic presence demonstrates the truly international reach of Hemingway as a pop culture icon.

Hemingway in Comics presents a new, more complicated way to look at Hemingway: a man, an artist, and a character that has taken on a life of its own and allows visitors to consider why Hemingway’s image, in particular, is so enduring. However, this exhibition is not only for the dedicated Hemingway fan, it will appeal to all those with an appreciation for comics, pop culture, and the absurd.

Spanish narrative translations are also available as a downloadable file that can be printed and used for an in-gallery handout.

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Tour Schedule

Hemingway in Comics is touring September 2023 through August 2028. The dates below reflect seven-week exhibition periods. Dates are subject to change; please contact MoreArt@maaa.org or (800) 473-3872 x208/209 for current availability.

  • September 1–October 20, 2023 Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum
    Jonesboro, AR
    booked
  • January 27–May 26, 2024 Dennos Museum Center
    Traverse City, MI
    booked
  • June 16–August 11, 2024 Houston Public Library
    Houston, TX
    booked
  • September 1–October 20, 2024 Temple Railroad and Heritage Museum
    Temple, TX
    booked
  • November 10, 2024–January 7, 2025 Kean University
    Union, NJ
    booked
  • January 28–March 16, 2025
    available
  • April 6–May 25, 2025
    available
  • April 6–May 25, 2025
    available
  • June 16–August 11, 2025
    available
  • September 1–October 20, 2025
    available
  • November 10, 2025–January 7, 2026 Refurbishment
    Kansas City, MO
    booked
  • January 28–March 16, 2026
    available
  • April 6–May 25, 2026
    available
  • June 16–August 11, 2026
    available
  • September 1–October 20, 2026
    available
  • November 10, 2026–January 7, 2027
    available
  • January 28–March 16, 2027
    available
  • April 6–May 25, 2027
    available
  • June 16-August 11, 2027
    available
  • September 1–October 20, 2027
    available
  • November 10, 2027–January 7, 2028
    available
  • January 28–March 16, 2028
    available
  • April 6–May 25, 2028
    available
  • June 16-August 11, 2028
    available

Exhibition Details

  • Content

    Fifty-six artworks, five panels

  • Curated By

    Robert K. Elder

  • Organized By

    ExhibitsUSA

  • Out-of-Region Rental Fee

    $6,250

  • In-Region Rental Fee

    $3,890

  • Duration

    7-week Display

  • Shipping

    Van Line

  • Running Feet

    150 linear feet

  • Square Feet

  • Security

    Moderate B

  • Number of Crates/Total Weight

    TBD Crates/Weight

  • Insurance

    The exhibition is fully insured by ExhibitsUSA at no additional expense to you, both while installed and during transit.

Downloads & Resources

Click HERE to view and download the Factsheet for Hemingway in Comics.