Drawings by the American illustrator Miles Hyman, an expert in crime fiction, exhibited in Limoges

Internationally known for adapting famous detective novels like “The Black Dahlia” into comics, Miles Hyman is in the spotlight in a unique retrospective of his work.

Baptized The colors are black, this exhibition is organized as part of the Vins Noirs festival, which combines culinary delights and thrillers. The 12th edition of this festival will be held this year from May 23 to 26 in Limoges. Meanwhile, as an appetizer, the Bibliothèque Francophone Multimédia de Limoges (BFM) presents drawings by Miles Hyman inspired by thrillers.

A great graphic signature of a noir novel

Miles Hyman is considered the most French American illustrator. He was born in the United States of America in 1962, but completed part of his art studies in France. In 1985, he arrived in Paris and studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts. Two years later, he started his career as an illustrator working for Lire magazine.

The grandson of a novelist (Shirley Jackson) and a literary critic (Stanley Edgar Hyman), the world of literature is a universe he knows. He will never move away from it. He is most inspired by black novels. Today, he is the official cover designer for a series of detective novels Octopus.

He also takes thrillers and turns them into comics. Eleven years ago Black Dahlia James Ellroy, he adapted the novel into a comic book Secret agent by Joseph Conrad (1992).

Drawings that exude uncertainty

Miles Hyman draws his drawings with charcoal. Very realistic scenes cause anxiety and suspense. “He really has an eye for reverse footage. It’s a unique job. We hear his scenes, we experience them.” says Claire Caland, curator of the exhibition. The chosen colors (ochre, orange, purple) enhance this climate of doubt and tension. The reader is enchanted by the atmosphere emanating from Miles Hyman’s drawings.

Espionage is also one of the illustrator’s favorite subjects. “It all started by illustrating Conrad, then The Prague Strike, a masterwork that saw great success with Jean-Luc Fromental, a big name in comics.” explains Claire Caland.

His last great pride is the comic book adaptation of Guillaume Musso’s novel, The Secret Lives of Writers (2023).

Exposure Colors black – BFM Limoges – until May 25, 2024