01 March 2013
Through the eyes of Australia’s best political cartoonists, travelling exhibition Behind the Lines 2012 is inviting visitors to take a comical journey through the political year that was.
Now on at the University of South Australia’s Hawke Centre, the exhibition is a collection of cartoons exploring the controversies and crises in politics during 2012.
Direct from Canberra’s Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House, the exhibition is visiting the Hawke Centre as part of the Adelaide Fringe Festival and features more than 80 cartoons from 40 different artists including South Australia’s own Peter MacMullin, Jos Valdman and David Follett.
Visitors can explore a range of themes including Minority Government, Asylum Seekers and The Economy. The exhibition’s curator Tania Cleary says the cartoons have been selected to convey what was an eventful and controversial year in Australian politics.
“Political cartoons create an intriguing visual snapshot into the sometimes complicated and messy world of politics and power. The cartoon format is such that a wide range of audiences can enjoy and laugh along with each other,” she says.
Director of the Hawke Centre Elizabeth Ho says she is delighted to host the exhibition, which aligns with the Centre’s core mission to strengthen democracy, value cultural diversity and build the future through its vibrant public program.
“Cartoons are an accessible way for a wider audience to explore Australian politics and democracy at large. We hope the exhibition not only allows people to reflect on Australia’s political climate but that it also encourages public debate,” she says.
A family friendly Fringe event, the exhibition also offers activities for families including the chance for visitors to create some of their own cartoons.
Don’t miss this free exhibition Behind the Lines 2012 – the year’s best of political cartoons. Laughter begins at 9am daily Monday to Friday, 25 February – 3 April 2013 at the Kerry Packer Civil Gallery, Hawke Building, UniSA City West campus.
This exhibition is supported by the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program, an Australian Government program aiming to improve access to the national collections for all Australians.
Media Contact
Rosanna Galvin office (08) 8302 0578 mobile 0434 603 457 email rosanna.galvin@unisa.edu.au
