A STUNNING selection of previously unseen artwork will be unveiled at a world premiere performance in Kendal in May.

Co-commissioned by the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, On a Marche sur la Bulle and 14-18 NOW, the UK’s official arts programme for the First World War centenary, Black Dog - The Dreams of Paul Nash is a multimedia performance and new graphic novel created by illustrator, comic artist, filmmaker and musician, Dave McKean.

The artwork showcases Dave’s diverse illustrative style and provides an insight into his interpretation of Paul Nash’s First World War artworks. Dave is one of the iconic figures of the UK comic art world and has led the way in cross art form collaborations. He will feature the graphic novel artwork in his new performance piece at Kendal Town Hall on May 28, as part of the 14-18 NOW programme.

The highly imaginative event features performances by a group of world class musical collaborators that includes Matthew Sharp who has appeared across the globe as a solo cellist, baritone and actor. Matthew has performed solo at the Glastonbury and Latitude festivals, as well as shared the stage with many international orchestras.

Also included will be Ashley Slater, a UK-based trombone player and singer, best known for his work with Fatboy Slim, Norman Cook and the band Freak Power. He has also recently performed with Elvis Costello and Debbie Harry.

The evening will feature projections, animated illustrations, live music and narration, along with artwork from the Black Dog graphic novel, which will also be launched on the evening, with a collector’s edition available to buy on the night.

Black Dog explores the work of Paul Nash, regarded as one of the most important British artists of the 20th century, whose First World War experiences inspired him to create paintings of disturbing, lasting power.

Additional performances will be held in France over the summer before returning to Cumbria for the main launch of the graphic novel, during the Lakes International Comic Art Festival, which runs from October 14-16.

Dave's work has won numerous awards, including the World Fantasy Award, the V&A Museum Illustrated Book Award and the Harvey Award for best graphic novel. He has worked alongside writer Neil Gaiman on graphic novels, including the critically acclaimed The Sandman series, as well as illustrating the celebrated Batman graphic novel Arkham Asylum. His illustrations have graced numerous magazines and album covers as well as short stories and children’s books. He has collaborated with creators and writers from across the board such as biologist Richard Dawkins, chef Heston Blumenthal and musician John Cale. And six of his images appeared in the Royal Mail’s Mythical Creatures Collection.

14-18 NOW is responsible for the UK tour of the iconic poppy sculptures by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper. Director, Jenny Waldman, said they were thrilled to be partnering with the Lakes International Comic Art Festival to present the unique performance and new graphic novels by the hugely talented artist. She added: "14-18 NOW aims to encourage people to pause and reflect on the impact of the First World War through art, and it is wonderful that we are able to give visitors to, and residents of, the Lake District the chance to do this."

LICAF director Julie Tait, was equally thrilled at bringing the world premiere performance to Kendal, and described Black Dog - the Dreams of Paul Nash as "truly astonishing." She continued: "This is a major new work by one of the most creative minds in the comic world.”

Tickets for the Kendal Town Hall event are available via Kendal's Brewery Arts Centre box office on 01539-725133 or at www.breweryarts.co.uk.