Behind The Lines February 17, 2010

Behind the Lines
At Riverside Theatres

On show: the best political cartoons of 2009

Through the eyes of Australia’s top cartoonists, a National Museum of Australia exhibition captures the twists and turns of another eventful year in Australian politics.

The Whitlam Institute within the University of Western Sydney, in conjunction with Riverside Theatres, is co-hosting the National Museum of Australia exhibition ‘Behind the Lines: The Year’s Best Cartoons 2009.’

The exhibition will be held at the Riverside Theatres in Parramatta from February 12 to March 17, 2010 and is the only place to see the exhibition in Sydney.

Director of the Whitlam Institute, Eric Sidoti, says Behind the Lines provides a unique opportunity to look back at 2009 through the insightful and often hilarious pen-strokes made by Australia’s finest cartoonists.

“Political cartoonists capture so much in just a single frame: the events, decisions and characters that define our political year. This year’s selection is particularly poignant given the momentous events of 2009.”

“The Whitlam Institute is absolutely delighted to once again be co-presenting the Sydney showing of the exhibition with Riverside Theatres, and bringing this collection to the west and beyond”, Eric Sidoti, Director of the Whitlam Institute.

Exhibition Curator Guy Hansen from the National Museum of Australia says that political cartoons are in the unique position of injecting lightness into the often very serious news of the day.

“After a tough twelve months of Australian politics these cartoons provide a much needed jolt of satire. It is a great opportunity to reflect on what happened, appreciate some great artwork and have a good laugh”

The exhibition traces major events of the year including the Black Saturday bushfires, fighting the recession, Australia’s relationship with China, debate over the Emissions Trading Scheme, as well as other hot topics including the controversial ‘ute-gate’ scandal, the swine flu pandemic and the arrival of refugees.

The cartoons in this year's exhibition represent the best Australian political cartoons sourced by the National Museum throughout the year. Artists include Bill Leak, Cathy Wilcox, John Spooner, David Rowe, Geoff Pryor, David Pope, Mark Knight and First Dog On The Moon.

Behind the Lines: The Year's Best Cartoons 2009 is a National Museum of Australia travelling exhibition.

February 15 - March 17
Riverside Theatres Foyer
Corner Church and Market Streets
Parramatta NSW 2150

Free Admission
For more information please contact Riverside Theatres on (02) 8839 3399

Contact:
Communications Officer, Whitlam Institute
Amy Sambrooke
[email protected]
02 9685 9072

Behind the Lines exhibition is now open at Riverside Theatres

Official Website: http://www.riversideparramatta.com.au