Superhero Art Tour for Real-World Famine Relief

A new national art exhibit launched by DC Entertainment will shine a light on the company’s efforts to raise awareness and money for the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa.

The exhibition, Darkness & Light: Art Inspired by Heroes & Villains, Hope & Heroism, opening this month in Portland and traveling to other cities this summer, features new contemporary art inspired by the DC Comics’ superheroes paired with real world photography that depicts the everyday heroes fighting hunger in Ethiopia, Somalia and Kenya. From the Super Heroes that fight for justice in the comic world, to the human heroes who make a difference every day in the real world, Darkness & Light tells the story of those working tirelessly to help the people of the Horn of Africa fight the hunger crisis.

The centerpiece of the collection features a large-scale piece of original artwork by Jim Lee, the legendary artist and DC Entertainment co-publisher, featuring the profile of Batman in a color palette inspired by the hues of Africa – yellow, green, red and black. Lee’s work is featured alongside photo journalism that expose moments of heroism by aid workers.

Visitors will see additional original art featuring iconic characters, like Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg, as well as a few famous villains including Catwoman and The Joker. Re-imagined by exceptional contemporary artists from around the world, the artwork will be on display at tour stops nationwide. Select pieces of DC Entertainment artwork will be auctioned off at the end of the tour with all net proceeds going directly to the We Can Be Heroes campaign.

The unique pairing of comic-inspired art with photography from the Horn of Africa shows visitors what is possible when we tap into our own super hero qualities of responsibility, willpower and inner strength to be of service to people in need.

The exhibition is heading to Portland, OR where it will be on display at the global headquarters of Mercy Corps, one of the nonprofit partners in the We Can Be Heroes campaign. Some tour stops will include intimate salon events so attendees can learn more about the complexities of the ongoing hunger crisis and what they can do to make an impact. Upcoming stops for the exhibition include:

    Portland: June 25-30 at Mercy Corps Global Headquarters
    San Diego and San Diego Comic-Con: July 9-15 at Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts
    Atlanta: August 4-13 at the Phipps Plaza
    Chicago: September 20-26, location TBD

For full details on the art exhibition tour and additional tour locations, please visit: www.WeCanBeHeroes.org/DarknessandLight