Concurrent virtual exhibits of historical political cartoons courtesy of Duke University

June 10, 2010 8:35 PM

This past Spring, Duke University hosted concurrent exhibits that featured curated images of satirical political cartoons. Fortunately, the exhibits are free to enjoy from the comfort of your bed/couch/desk chair. From the Nasher Museum of Art, there is Lines of Attack: Conflicts in Caricature, comparing pieces from as early as 19th Century France to post 9/11 US. From the Perkins Library, we get Abusing Power: Satirical Journals, an exhibit of 19th and early 20th Century pieces from around the world.
posted by Ufez Jones (3 comments total)

The Internet is such a tease. Sure, this one is nice, although a retread for Nation readers. But then the site allures us with Picasso and the Allure of Language. Not living in North Carolina or being affiliated with Duke U., I'm S.O.L. Well, I can imagine. And my mind is too full of academic theory, anyway. I retract my previous complaint. I am a lucky man. I can go to bed and dream the dreams of an innocent.
posted by kozad at 10:17 PM on June 10, 2010

I saw this exhibit two months ago. The George W. Bush cartoons were genuinely upsetting to my wife. It was just too overwhelming for her to be reminded of Bush so soon after the end of his presidency. The whole exhibit was a visceral reminder of the power of images.

The Nasher also had a very interesting exhibit about the Three Gorges Dam. I'd commend the museum to everyone - it was excellent.

Thanks for posting this.
posted by cheapskatebay at 5:42 AM on June 11, 2010

This was the best exhibit I've seen at the Nasher, and deserves to tour. Seeing that the 19th French were every bit as vicious, and occasionally as tasteless, as our contemporary political dialog was reassuring. I couldn't get upset about politicians I knew nothing about, but I could recognize the emotions that spawned the caricatures of them. The effect wasn't "the more things change...". It was that power generally deserves ridicule- it's an important part of vigilance.
posted by bendybendy at 7:44 AM on June 11, 2010