New York City-based artist Joan LeMay, illustrator of the book Quantum Criminals: Ramblers, Wild Gamblers, and Other Sole Survivors from the Songs of Steely Dan (University of Texas Press), will have a solo art show at Underland Gallery in Brooklyn beginning October 6 at 6 p.m. ET.
“I will have the majority of the original paintings from me and Alex Pappademas’s book exhibited and for sale,” LeMay wrote on Instagram. “Limited edition, signed, numbered giclée prints [a digitized image printed on a sophisticated inkjet printer] of select pieces will also be available for purchase.”
The show, entitled “Jailbreak: Artwork from ‘Quantum Criminals,’” closes October 20 and, apart from opening and closing events, will only be open by appointment. LeMay has granted 360ºSound permission to showcase some of the pieces that appear in the book. Below you’ll find 15 paintings, depicting Steely Dan founders Donald Fagen and the late Walter Becker as well as various characters from the songs, among them Kid Charlemagne, Doctor Wu and Rikki.
LeMay’s work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and public spaces throughout the world, including New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, London, and Koln, Germany. Her work can also be found in print in numerous publications. A lifelong music fan, she has also created artwork for album covers.
Contact the artist directly on joan@joanlemay.com, for a copy of the full catalogue of available works, or to inquire about availability, pricing, or purchase.
Visit Joan’s website at joanlemay.com
Donald Fagen, co-founder, co-songwriter, lead singer and keyboardist of Steely Dan
“Fagen”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $5,000
Walter Becker, co-founder, co-songwriter, guitarist and bassist of Steely Dan
“Becker”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $5,000
Razor Boy, featured in “Razor Boy” from the album Countdown to Ecstasy (1973)
“Razor Boy”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $1,350
Rikki, featured in “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number” from the album Pretzel Logic (1974)
“Rikki”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $2,150
Squonk, featured in “Any Major Dude Will Tell You” from the album Pretzel Logic (1974)
“Squonk”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $2,150
Michael McDonald, singer-songwriter and keyboardist, sang backup on a number of Steely Dan songs, such as “Bad Sneakers” and the Top 40 hit “Peg”
“Large M Mc D”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $2,150
Mister La Page, featured in “Everyone’s Gone to the Movies” from the album Katy Lied (1975)
“Mister La Page”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $1,350
Doctor Wu, featured in “Doctor Wu” from the album Katy Lied (1975)
“Doctor Wu”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $2,150
Kid Charlemagne, featured in “Kid Charlemagne” from the album The Royal Scam (1976)
“Kid Charlemagne”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $2,150
Pepe, featured in “Sign In Stranger” from the album The Royal Scam (1976)
“Pepe”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $1,350
The Eagles were mentioned in “Everything You Did” from the album The Royal Scam (1976): Turn up the Eagles, the neighbors are listening. The Eagles answered in their song “Hotel California”: They stab it with their steely knives, but they just can’t kill the beast.
“The Eagles”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $2,150
Aja, featured in “Aja” from the album Aja (1977)
“Aja”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $1,350
Aretha Franklin, featured in “Hey Nineteen” from the album Gaucho (1980)
“‘Retha Franklin”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $1,350
The Gaucho, featured in “Gaucho” from the album Gaucho (1980)
“The Gaucho”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $3,100
Cousin Dupree, featured in “Cousin Dupree” from the album Two Against Nature (2000)
“Cousin Dupree”, gouache and graphite on paper, 18 in. x 24 in., 2021. $1,350
