I'll Be Dead by the Time You Read This: The Existential Life of Animals [Paperback]

Romeo Alaeff (Author)

Book Description

Release date: November 29, 2011

"Each image winks at the cosmic joke of existence." -Antenna Magazine

If you've ever eavesdropped on people's conversations, had heart-to- hearts with friends or family, or even just paid attention to the thoughts bouncing around in your own head, you'll undoubtedly find that we humans have, well, issues. In a stroke of cruel genius, internationally exhibited artist, Romeo Alaeff, asks: what if animals had as much emotional baggage as we do? Pairing gorgeously detailed drawings with overheard snippets from human conversation, I'll Be Dead by the Time You Read This collects the neurotic animals that have become an art world sensation.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Every morning, next to my bathroom mirror, Romeo's anxious goldfish reminds me of the fullness of existence; for to be afraid of dying is not to lead a fearful life, but one so precious you don't want to lose it."

(-Christian Rattemeyer, Associate Curator, Museum of Modern Art )

"When Alaeff adds a line of dialogue to his stand-alone illustrations of a cat or jellyfish or ram, he creates something more resonant than a caption."

(-Oprah.com )

"Romeo's little animals have more tragic-comic personality than any character on Reality TV, and certainly more profound!"

(-DB Burkeman, author of Stickers: Stuck-up Piece of Crap )

About the Author

Romeo Alaeff has produced work in a range of media, including photography, film, video, animation, music, web projects, and installations, and has exhibited in major galleries and museums internationally. He currently lives in New York.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Plume (November 29, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452297451
• ISBN-13: 978-0452297456
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.3 x 8.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,253,704 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

http://www.romeoart.com | http://www.illbedead.com
Romeo Alaeff studied biomedical engineering and mathematics at Tulane University before receiving his master of fine arts from the Rhode Island School of Design.

His artwork, which includes drawing, photography, film, music, and installations, has exhibited internationally in major museums, galleries, and film festivals.

He has been a guest artist and teacher at universities including the Rhode Island School of Design, Brown University, Pratt, and Parsons.

Romeo has also been an animation and film editor for many award-winning children's television shows for Nickelodeon, Disney, and PBS.

Sticker versions of some of the animals in this book are featured in the Rizzoli bible of sticker-street art, Stuck-Up Piece of Crap: Stickers, from Punk Rock to Contemporary Art alongside works by world-renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Shepard Fairey, and Banksy (Rizzoli, 2010).

The Brooklyn native can be spotted making art in random places like New Orleans, Marfa, Berlin, or Scotland, but he's currently made New York City his home again.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Humanly sentiments attached to charming drawings of animals January 19, 2012

By dianaers

Format:Paperback

I'll Be Dead by the Time You Read This is a charming collection of animal pictures. However, those animal pictures have quotes that are essentially not animalistic. A lot of them are common things that people think when they feel like they need to fix themselves. The humor of these pictures, though, is that these negative sayings attached to animals seems to make human complaints almost absurd and ridiculous. A fun, quick read that is definitely a pick me up when one is down in the dumps about their existence.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Humorous, weird, and relevant. December 14, 2011

By C. Baer

Format:Paperback

The collection of vignettes muses over the absurdity and weight we give our own thoughts and words. In the vein of Creature Comforts and other works that superimpose complex human emotions onto animals, Alaeff provides perspective to our outlooks, inquires to their purpose, and perhaps makes us laugh or cry depending on our views. Alaeff's hand-drawn illustrations are meticulous, haunting and beautiful.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome. February 24, 2012

By Mackenzie Mealem

Format:Paperback

I have nothing but good things to say about this book - it's funny in a strange kind of way, but what isn't strange nowadays? Not the mention the fact, the author of this book is my cousin, and I'm so frickin' proud of him!