Molly Crabapple is a multifaceted artist and writer whose creative endeavors are deeply influenced by a rich tapestry of artistic inspirations. One of the most significant inspirations behind her work is the esteemed Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, whose bold and vibrant murals have left an indelible mark on the art world, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with public art and challenging societal norms.
In addition to Rivera's influential work, Crabapple's creative endeavors are also informed by the haunting and powerful series of etchings created by the renowned Spanish artist Francisco Goya, known as The Disasters of War. This series of etchings is a poignant reflection of the artist's outrage and sorrow at the atrocities committed during the Spanish War of Independence, and serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating consequences of war and conflict.
Through her own work, Crabapple seeks to capture the essence of these influential artists, using her unique blend of art and writing to explore the complexities of human experience and the role of art in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
Molly Crabapple, a highly accomplished author, has collaborated with renowned Syrian war journalist Marwan Hisham on the lavishly illustrated book Brothers of the Gun, a critically acclaimed masterpiece that has garnered widespread recognition and numerous accolades.
Her memoir, titled Drawing Blood, has received widespread acclaim and admiration worldwide, a resounding endorsement of her remarkable literary talents and her exceptional capacity to weave a captivating story that seamlessly blends the deeply personal with the universally relatable.
Crabapple's journalistic pursuits have attracted extensive recognition, with her reportage being prominently featured in a diverse array of prestigious publications, showcasing her exceptional writing skills and in-depth research abilities.
Notable among her many accomplishments is the esteemed honor of holding prestigious residencies at prominent institutions, including the distinguished New York University's Hagop Kevorkian Center for Near Eastern Studies, a renowned hub of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity. Furthermore, she has also had the privilege of serving as the Katowitz Radin Artist-in-residence at the respected Brooklyn Library, a revered institution dedicated to preserving and promoting the arts and humanities. Additionally, her impressive credentials have also earned her the esteemed Yale Poynter Fellow, a testament to her outstanding achievements and dedication to her craft.
Currently, Crabapple holds the esteemed distinction of being a New America 2020 Fellow, a prestigious honor that recognizes outstanding individuals who are making a significant impact in their respective fields. Additionally, Crabapple is also a 2020 Bard Fellow at the revered Brooklyn Public Library, a renowned institution that is deeply committed to promoting literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement.
Noted journalist and animator, her remarkable professional trajectory began with her powerful and evocative sketches of the Occupy Wall Street front lines, capturing the raw emotion and fervor of the protests in a way that resonated with audiences worldwide. This initial foray into the world of journalism and animation marked the beginning of a long and storied career, during which she would go on to chronicle a wide range of conflicts, struggles, and disasters across the globe.
From the rugged terrain of Lebanon, where she documented the actions of snipers with precision and nuance, to the scorching deserts of Abu Dhabi, where she shed light on the complex and often fraught labor disputes that plagued the region, her work was characterized by a keen eye for detail and a deep sense of empathy for those affected by the conflicts she covered.
Her reporting also took her to the infamous detention center at Guantanamo Bay, where she humanized the stories of prisoners held without charge or trial, and to the US-Mexico border, where she exposed the harsh realities faced by migrants and asylum seekers seeking a better life.
In addition to her work in the Middle East and Central America, she also traveled to Greece, where she documented the dire conditions faced by refugees in the country's overwhelmed camps, and to Puerto Rico, where she bore witness to the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Maria, a disaster that left a trail of destruction and despair in its wake.
Throughout her career, her commitment to telling the stories of those often overlooked or marginalized by mainstream media has been unwavering, earning her a reputation as a fearless and compassionate journalist and animator.
As a renowned animator, she fearlessly faced off against Donald Trump in Dubai, boldly addressing the egregious mistreatment of workers laboring on his golf courses, a testament to her unwavering commitment to social justice.
Throughout her illustrious career, Crabapple has revolutionized the field of animation by pioneering a groundbreaking style of live-illustrated explanatory journalism, forging powerful partnerships with influential individuals such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, hip-hop icon Jay-Z, and esteemed human rights organizations like Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and The American Civil Liberties Union.
The iconic animations created by this visionary artist have secured a lasting place at The Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, where they continue to captivate and inspire visitors as a powerful tribute to her pioneering endeavors.
Crabapple, a renowned orator, has had the esteemed privilege of delivering mesmerizing presentations to a diverse array of global audiences, spanning from the bustling metropolises of Jakarta and Beirut, to the vibrant cities of Sao Paolo and Ramallah, and even extending to the iconic destinations of Mumbai and Paris. Her impressive repertoire of speaking engagements has included prestigious academic institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and The London School of Economics, where she has shared her insights and expertise with esteemed scholars and thought leaders. Additionally, she has also had the honor of addressing renowned museums like The Brooklyn Museum and The Guggenheim, where she has captivated audiences with her thought-provoking ideas and perspectives.
