Introductions & CV

Marguerite Van Cook sq Head shotMarguerite Van Cook came to New York her punk with band The Innocents, after touring the UK with The Clash. She stayed, opened a gallery, Ground Zero with her partner James Rombergerand curated numerous events and shows. Her own work as an artist and film maker have placed her in many museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney Museum and the Schwartz Art Collection at Harvard. Her other credits include poet, (she was awarded the Van Rensselear Prize while at Columbia) writer, critic, comic book artist, actor and performance artist. Her collaborative project with James Romberger and David Wojnarowicz, “Seven Miles a Second” a graphic memoir of the life and death Wojnarowicz is in its second edition in America and is a New York Times best Seller and has also been published in France. She holds a B A in English and Comparative Literature and an M A in Modern European Studies from Columbia University and is currently an ABD completing a PH.D in French at The Graduate Center CUNY.
In 2006, Van Cook became the creative and managing director of the Howl! Arts Festival, which led in 2009 to the establishment of Howl HELP, a free emergency health & care service for downtown artists.2

MARGUERITE VAN COOK

EDUCATION:

2016  CUNY Graduate Center M.Phil.
2012   CUNY Graduate Center, PH.d in French in progress, expected 2021
2011  Columbia University. Modern European Studies. M. A.
2008  Columbia University. English and Comparative Literature. BA Magna cum Laude
2006  Fall Semester, Pace University
2006  Vassar College, Summer Scholars Program
2006  Borough of Manhattan Community College, AA English (Hons)
1975-1977  Newcastle upon Tyne Polytechnic, Fine Art Undergraduate
1973-1974  Portsmouth College of Art and Design, Foundation Studies

ACADEMIC PRIZES & SCHOLARSHIPS:
2007 Van Rensselaer Prize for Lyric Poetry, Columbia University
2007-9 Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Scholarship
2006 Marilyn Diaz Prize for English, BMCC
2004 Westchester Poetry Conference Scholarship

FINE ART
SOLO EXHIBITIONS:
2010 “Elements,” Gallery 151, New York
2006 “Listen,” Dinter Fine Art, New York (film on website Project Room,
www.dinterfinearts.com)
2004 “Infusions,” Drink Me, New York
2003 “Funky Shui,” The Proposition, New York
2002 “Little Gun Girl 2,” “Ma*ya, New York
“Funky Shui,” Prosper Gallery, New York
2001 “Genetic Patents Trading Co.” Philip Alan Gallery, New York
2000 “Little Gun Girl,” Philip Alan Gallery, New York
1992 “Soft Weapons,” Elston Fine Arts, New York
1986 “La Deficit,” Ground Zero, New York
1985 “Cold War,” Ground Zero, New York

TWO PERSON & (with James Romberger)
2008 “The Arteries Grou,” Max Fish, New York (w/Crosby)
2002 “Funky Shui,” Prosper Gallery, New York
1999 “Predeceased,” Max Fish, New York
1998 “Ground Zero,” Max Fish, New York
1988 “King Size to Go Go,” Le Beau Bruxelle, Brussels
1988 “Ground Zero,” Speeltuin J.J. Atelier, Antwerp
1986 “A Couple of Lunatics,” E. M. Donahue, New York (collaborative paintings)

EXHIBITION (with James Romberger, David Wojnarowicz)

2019 “Prescriptions for the Plague” Taipei Museum of Modern Art, Taiwan
1999 “Fever,” New Museum, New York (“Seven Miles a Second” )

GROUP COLLABORATIONS:
1986 “The Nuclear Family,” (curated by Carlo McCormick), Ground Zero, New York
“The Wrecking Crew,” Ground Zero, New York
1985 “East Village meets East,” Broad Street (curated by Carlo McCormick), Neopolitan
Gallery, Richmond, Va.

FILMS (directed) Selected:
2007 The Secret of Sacred Letters (8 minutes)
2003 Funky Shui in New York (8 minutes)

GROUPS SHOWS (Selected):
2010 “GRAPHIC RADICALS: 30 Years of World War 3 Illustrated” Exit Art New York
“Pilot Light” Espace Le Carré, Lille, France
“A Starter Kit for Collectors: Art Exhibition and Sale A Benefit for A Gathering of the
Tribes” A Gathering of The Tribes Gallery, New York
2006- 2008, “ABC No Rio Benefit Shows”, New York
2008 “Metropolis Apocalypse” The Supreme, Williamsburg New York
2006 “No Straight Lines” Cartoon Art Museum, San Francisco
2006 “ABC No Rio Benefit Deitch Projects, New York
2003-4 “Benefit for Cabrini Hospital”, Arts Society, New York
2004 “Girls and Guns” The Proposition, New York
2003 Benefit for Hayground School Lizan Tops Gallery, East Hampton NY
2002 “Vue de Près”, Cuchifritos, New York
2000 “Open Ends” Museum of Modern Art, New York
“The Air at Night” (curated by David West), SPA, New York
“NY2K ” Charas/ El Bohio, New York
“Mumia 911” 1199 Hospital Worker’s Union, New York
1999 “Radiant Children: Art of the East Village”, Lamia Ink!, New York
Curated by Jonathan Weinberg and Joel Handorff
1997 “The Weapons Show”, Exploding Sky, New York
1995 “Artists Choice”, Artists Space, New York
1993 “Pictures to Prove it”, CBGB’s Gallery, New York
“By Foul Subtraction (The Aids Bodybag Project),” Artspace, Jersey City (NJ) State College
1992 “The Plague Years,” Gracie Mansion, New York
“Real Life Comics,” Longwood Arts Gallery, New York
1991 “Burning in Hell,” Franklin Furnace, New York (curated by Nancy Spero)
Numerous Group Shows at Max Fish, New York
1990 “Hands Off”, New School, New York
“Thyroid Storm,” installation at Fly Trap, New York
“Bastille Day Show,” Steve Mass, New York
1988 “Your House is Mine”, Bullet Space, New York
“The Oldest of the Young,” Bratton Gallery, New York
“The Immoral Show”, curated by Ron English, Tunnel, New York
1986 “The Changing Scene”, Museum of Contemporary Art, Milan
“Democracy at Work”, P.S. 39, Bronx, New York
“East Village Meets East Broad” Neopolitan Gallery, Richmond VA
“Silent Auction”, B-Side Gallery, New York
“Jamming”, Kamikaze, New York
“Curators’ Choice”, Gerstadt Gallery, New York
“ East Village Ladies Salute The South Bronx”, Fashion Moda, Bronx, New York
1985 “For Richer or For Poorer”, Limbo, New York
“The Cracked Mirror Show”, E.M. Donahue, New York
1984 “Hit and Run”, The Magic Gallery, New York
“Art Music,” Area, New York
“Small Works”, NOW Gallery, New York
“Acid Test” Sensory Evolution, New York
“ New York Now”, curated by Manuela Filiaci & Carlo McCormick, Nello Studio di Corrado Levi,
Milan, Italy

PERFORMANCE Theatrical/Film (selected):

2012 “The Rub” Gertrude. Dir Nessa Norich.New York. New Orleans Fringe Festival.
“The Gospel according to St.Luke,” The Living Theater
2008 “when I dragged you off the stage?” Brooklyn, New York
2007 “On Religion” Lead, Columbia Players, New York
2007 “Elipticism” Bowery Poetry Club New York
2006 “Electra Elf” dir: Nick Zedd Lead Villain: Red Snapper
2006 “Starstruck” Mo Pitkins, New York
2005 “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Lady Bracknell, BMCC
2004-2006 “Avante-Garde(ns),” New York, Multiple Solo Perfomances.
2005 “Stigma” Avant Garde(ns) Howl Festival New York
2004 “Thunder, Perfect Mind” Festival of Mary Magdalene, St. Mark’s Church New York
1991 “Waiting Woman Ballet”, solo XOXO Gallery, June 1994, New York
1986 “Where Evil Dwells” Mother with Stroller, Dir: David Wojnarowicz and Tommy Turner.
1986 “Gold Finger” Pyramid Club New York

COLLECTIONS (selected):
Peggy Cyphers
Charlie Finch
Walter Robinson
Kiki Smith
Uli Rimkus
E.M. Donahue
Ronald Sosinski
Corrado Levi
Brigitte Engler/ David Hershkovitz
Sur Rodney Sur
Ingrid Dinter
Lech Kowalski
Baird Jones
David West
Felix Pêne du Bois

Schwartz Art Collection, Harvard Business School
Museum of Modern Art, New York
Whitney Museum, New York
Brooklyn Museum
Walker Art Center
Toledo Museum of Modern Art
Harvard University, Fogg Museum
University of Wisconsin
University of Kansas, Spencer Museum
Getty Center Library, Ca.
New York Public Library
Klingspor Museum, Offenses, Germany
Stadelijk Museum of Modern Art, Amsterdam Holland
Museum of Kunst und Gewerbe, Hamburg, Germany
Guttenberg Museum, Manz, Germany
Aders Tornberg, Sweden
Lower East Side Print Shop, New York
Kenkeleba Gallery, New York

MUSIC & Composition (selected):
1978-1979 Lead Singer: The Innocents
Opened for the Clash, “Give ‘Em Enough Rope/Sort it Out” 31 Date Tour. UK
1981-1984 Bass: Steppin’ Razor, Female Reggae Band, Midwest Tour, USA
Opened for Yellowman, Harlem World, New York
1986-1991 Singer: Grade A, Multiple NY and European venues
2001 Sound track: Funky Shui in New York (8 minutes)
Multiple performances at Max’s Kansas City, CBGB’s, A7 Club…

DIRECTORSHIPS:
2006- 2010 Executive Director: Howl! Festival, New York
2004-2006 Fine Art Director: Howl Festival, New York
1990-1991 Elston Fine Art Gallery, New York
1984- Co-Director/Founder Ground Zero Gallery /Arteries Group with James Romberger New
York, Boston, Brussels (ongoing peripatetic curations)

CURATIONS AND SHOWS (selected):
2008-2009 Auctioneer, Lower East Side Girls Club Benefit, New York.
2004-2007 Auctioneer/ Curator, Federation of East Village Artists Benefit
2004-2005 Co-Curator w/ JR “Business Unusual” Manhattan Borough President’s office
2003-2005 Co-curator w/JR of Arteries/Art in Tompkins Square Park, Howl Festival New York
2003 “Prairie Art Show,” Sterling College, Kansas
1999 “Genius“ Life Cafe, New York
“Mumia 911“ 1199 Health Workers Union, New York
1994 “Dead Rock Stars“ Max Fish, New York
1992 “The Plague Years“ Gracie Mansion Gallery, New York
“The Tent City Art Auction“, Benefit to Raise Money for the Homeless
Max Fish w/ Music Benefit at CBGB’s, New York
1990 “Ready to Roll” Le Palace de Beauté, New York
“Angels and Demons” Le Palace de Beauté, New York
”Anamorphic Rubens” (installation painting w/JR) for The Event of the Century at
The Chameleon, New York
1989 “Anamorphic Ingres” (installation painting w/JR) in The World, New York
Judge, Tompkins Square Park Arts Festival,
1987 “Stencil Show“, Instant Gallery, Boston.
1986 “Ecstasy“, Sensory Evolution, New York
1985 “Mistletoe“, Kamikaze, New York
1984 “The East Village Look Again“, Danceteria, New York
“Time Capsule” Danceteria, New York
“Americana Fair” Danceteria, New York
“Scary Art Show” Danceteria, New York
“Bamboozled“, The Park Inn, New York
“The Acid Test” Kamikazi, New York
“The Acid Test, Sensory Evolution, New York

BOOKS AND PRINT PROJECTS (selected):
Eyewash (w/JR). Jack Kirby Collector # 52. Twomorrows, 2009. Pgs. 70-75
The Murdering Class, Volumes 1-3. 2002-3
Comic Art Forum, Journal about Comics (co-editor& publisher) 2002-3
East Village Map, (Illustrated Guide to the East Village) Ephemera Press 2001
Park Observer, Park Rights Council/ Leonard Abrams & J R
Seven Miles A Second (collaborative graphic novel w/ David Wojnarowicz & JR). NY: Vertigo/DC Comics,
1996.
Trans French ; published in France Editions Ca et la.
Rereleased 2013 Fantagraphics.
Broken Noses and Metempsychoses (MVC drawing). Michael Carter. NY: A Gathering of the Tribes/Fly
By Night Press, 1996 p.34.
Your House Is Mine (silk-screened print w/JR for ltd book, ed. Andrew Castrucci). New York: Bullet
Space, 1994
The New York Lizard. (parody magazine co-editor and gossip columnist) NY: Grave Concern.
Vol II No. 6, May 1994 Ground Zero (w/JR) p. 6-8, “Parade of Fools” p. 11, “Il Duce Velveeta” p. 15
Vol 2 No. 4, April 1994 “Breast implants & makeovers on an AFDC budget”. p. D8, “Got Copy”. p. D13
November 1993 “Dead beat dads/money grubbing Madonnas”. p. 10
Stigma (artist’s book) Franklin Furnace, collection of MOMA 1993
Collateral Damage Produced by Leonard Shapiro 1992
Red Tape #7 Tragicomics (MVC contributing editor, drawing) 1990
“Carrie Mae Weems.the Right Questions” (MVC review). Village Beat, December. 1990: 12
Peau Sensible #5, “Funky To a Junky” Summer/Fall 1993
#4 “Justine” 1992
#3 “Illustration” 1992
World War 3 #12 (cover w/JR), “The Long Summer” (MVC story and art), 1988.
Quarto (MVC book design and graphics w/JR). Columbia University, 2009. Winner of MLA Best Design for College Magazine

PRESS AND BOOKS (selected)
Cotter, Holland. “Graphic Radicals: 30 Years of World War 3 Illustrated.” The New York Times. January

13. 2011

Creating Comics! Eds.Judith Salavetz and Spencer Drate. Rockport Publishers, 2010:120 -123

Goettel, Diane. “Symbols and Time” A&U. May 2008

Stencil Pirates. ed. Josh MacPhee. NY: Soft Skull, 2007:128, 162.

Ferfhlleiser, Rachel. “The Howling Never Stopped.” Grand Street News. October 2007

Otway, Lorcan & Sruthi Pinnamaneni. “Festival revives a history some wish was blacked out.” The

Villager, September 19. 2007: 9

Breitman, Rachel. “After Two Years of Silence, Howl! Returns.” The Villager, September 5, 2007: 33

Fly. “Marguerite Van Cook,” Maximum RocknRoll #293, October 2007

Shaw, Helen. “Taken On Faith” (review of On Religion). NY: The New York Sun April 23.2007. 4 :15

David Wojnarowicz: A Definitive History of Five or Six years on the Lower East Side Marguerite Van Cook

and James Romberger interview by Sylvere Lotringere. Ed. Giancarlo Ambrosino. Mass:

Semiotext/MIT Press, 2006. Pgs. 66-69, 96-111,126,167.

Up Is Up But So Is Down, NY’s Downtown Literary Scene, 1974-1992 Ground Zero. NYU Press,

2006 p. 182-83.

Shapiro, Gary “Unusual East Village Art. The Knickerbocker”. The Sun, August 19. 2005

East Village USA. (exhibition catalogue) NY: New Museum. 2004. P. 61

Leffingwall, Edward. “Marguerite Van Cook at The Proposition.” Art in America, April 2004: 132.

McKinley, Jesse. “Finding the Counterculture Pulse.” The New York Times. August 22. 2003: E1, E4.

Samiof, Steve. “A Man that Matters, Special Extra: The Clash on stage in London (twice)…” Arthur. March

2003: 3

Fever: The Art of David Wojnarowicz. NY: Rizzoli, 1999. P. 64.

“David Wojnarowicz: Brushfires in the Social Landscape”. Aperture. 1994 : 35.

Garcia, Connie. “Dead Rock Stars.” Ideal. 1. 3. : 1994

Iverem, Esther. “From the Mean Streets” New York Newsday. May 19.1992

Scala, Mark. “East Village meets East Broad” (review, misattributed) New Art Examiner, Feb. 1989: 59

Corriel, Michelle. “Approaching Ground Zero” Say! Cover. November. 1986.

Daniels, Demetria. “East Village Report, Women Curators.” Say! Magazine. March 5. 1986: 6A

Herman, Cheryl A. “Art News, The East Village, Ground Zero”. Manhattan Arts. June 1986: 5

Il Cangiante (Catalogue for exhibition at Padiglione d’ Arte Contemporanea Milano). Curator: Corrado

Levi. Milan: Nuova Preao Editore, 1985

Glueck, Grace “East Village Gets On the Fast Track.” The New York Times, January13. 1985

Crane, Darrin. “Canvas Canvaserai.” Soho Arts Weekly, March 5 1985: 12a

McCormick, Carlo. “Funky, Overly Democratic, Low Budget Art,” East Village Eye, 1985

Reid, Calvin. “Marguerite Van Cook: Cold War”. 108 Newsletter, June. 1985.

Allan Singleton-Green, “Marguerite Van Cook, East Village Ladies Salute The South Bronx”. Stefan Eins

Salon Project Exhibition Catalogue. 24 October. 1986 p1-2

Engler, Brigitte. “Breaking Ground.” Paper Magazine, May. 84.

Wall, Mick. “The Innocents Lyceum.” Sounds. 27 January. 1979: 29

“Xmas concerts for Clash, Jam & Gen X.” New Musical Express. 9 September.1978: 3

“Innocents Sign,” Record Mirror. 13 October 1979: 5

Sort It Out Tour: http://homepage.mac.com/blackmarketclash/Bands/Clash/recordings
/1978/78-10-00%20Tour%20Info%20MASTER/78-10-00%20Sort%20it%20Out%20Clippings/NME%207%20Oct%2078.html

GROUND ZERO COMIC STRIP (with James Romberger)

Ground Zero: The Woge (MVC story and color, w/JR).
Mammoth Book of Best New Manga Vol 3 UK: Robinson Books, 2008. Pgs. 229-240
(formerly) Ground Zero, The Villager, 8/22-8/28, 2007 p. 8
“Minimechs” in “Julius Cheeser” (MVC story and color, w/JR). NYC Mech: Beta Love #1. Image Comics,
2006
Ground Zero Legal Action Comics #1. NY: DDLDF, 2001
“Sleeping Beauty” (MVC story and color, w/JR). Heart Throbs #3. NY: Vertigo/DC Comics, 3/1999.
Ground Zero Zing Magazine. Winter/spring 1996 p. 130-132
Redtape #5 (Ground Zero). 1985
#6 Cracked Mirror (Ground Zero). 1986
Ground Zero Avenue E #3 Winter 1985 p. 6
Ground Zero Zing Magazine. Winter/spring 1996 p. 130-132
“Your House is Mine” ed, Andrew Castrucci. New York: Bullet Space. 1994
Pretty Decorating 1 Ground Zero
2 Ground Zero
3 Ground Zero
World War 3 #13 Ground Zero: The Miniboy 1989
Ground Zero Racist America (catalog) curated by Robt. Costa 1985
Redtape #5 1985
#6 Cracked Mirror 1986
Ground Zero Avenue E #3 Winter 1985 p. 6
Ground Zero (monthly strip w/JR). East Village Eye 2/1984-7/84

SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & COMICS .

Vertigo/DC Comics (all MVC color)
Lucifer #11 “Children and Monsters” (w/Peter Gross, story: Mike Carey). 2001
Deadenders (w/Warren Pleece and Cameron Stewart, story: Ed Brubaker).
#16 “Smashing Time pt. 3” 6/2001
#13 “Only for Seconds” 3/2001
#9 “More Fun in the New World” 11/2000
Flinch #15 “The Future’s So Bright” 11/2000
# 5 “Peeping Bob” ((misattributed) w/JR, story: Colin Raff). 10/1999.
Reloaded Promo comic for video game, 1996
Strange Adventures #2 “Ice Cream Comes to Wharftown” (w/JR, story: Colin Raff). 12/1999
Gangland #2 “Platinum Nights” (w/JR, story: Lucius Shepard). 7/1998
Weird War Tales #1 “Ares” (w/JR, story: Brian Azzarello). 6/1997.

Tales From The Crypt (all MVC color, w/JR). NY: Papercutz/NBM.
“Kill, Baby, Kill” (story: Scott Lobdell) TFTC book #9, 2010.
“Carrier” (story: John L. Lansdale) TFTC book #8, 2009.
“Night Traveler” (story: John L. Lansdale) TFTC book #7, 2009
“Little Darlin'” (story: John L. Lansdale) #11, 3/2009
“Chicken Man” (story: John L. Lansdale) #9, 11/2008
“Virtual Hoodoo” (story: Joe R. & John L. Lansdale) #8, 9/2008.
“A Ripping Good Time” (story: Joe R. & John L. Lansdale) #6, 5/2008
“Kid Tested, Mother Approved” (story: Jared Gniewek) (+cover w/JR) #5, 3/2008
“Crystal Clear” (story: Don McGregor) #4, 1/2008

“Carrie Mae Weems…the Right Questions” (review). Marguerite Van Cook. Village Beat, 12/1990 p. 12

RADIO, T.V. & GUEST PANELIST (selected):
2009 “The Changing East Village” East Village Theater Festival, Metropolitan Playhouse New
York
Panelist East Village History Project
2005 “Day With Out Art” Williams College
2001 Fox News (Channel 5)
1999 Interview for New Museum with Dan Cameron, East Village Radio.
1992 Charlie Finch Show, WBAI
1991 Shalom New York

Additional skills, memberships include:
10 Years dance training
French & Italian Language.
6th Street and Ave B Garden Membership Chair.

Professional Memberships.
Modern Languages Association

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