Exhibition Summary
Wit and Humor: American Political Cartoons was a unique exhibition curated and hosted by the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, a part of the National Archives and Records Administration, from July 2019 to January 2020. The exhibition was viewed by more than 82,000 visitors in its six-month run, making it one of the most successful in-house exhibits hosted at the Bush Presidential Library.
From the earliest days of our nation, political cartoons appeared as powerful tools of expression for both the powerful and powerless. Using symbols, imagery, and humor, cartoonists have played a special role in helping average Americans make sense of tumultuous and complex events we experience in our increasingly connected world. Featuring original artworks and artifacts, including collections from the Library of Congress, Wit and Humor demonstrated how cartoons have changed since the early days of the Republic. This exhibition highlighted important cartoons from artists regarded as giants in their field, like Thomas Nast and Patrick Oliphant.
The exhibit’s title is derived from an 1813 book by J.P. Malcolm called An Historical Sketch of the Art of Caricaturing. According to Malcolm, on the subject of caricature, he stated the “art in wit and humor” was “progress which supposedly entailed the repudiation of fanaticism and party rancour [sic].” Malcom’s statements related to the English Civil War, the Interregnum of Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration, and feelings of repugnance to factionalism that arose during those periods. British colonials carried these feelings with them to the American colonies. Out of the traditions of British (and German) satire, American cartoonists developed their own style and addressed distinctly American issues, but European influence in this now centuries-long tradition is undeniable.
Wit and Humor consisted of seven sections, each devoted to a specific cartoonist or facet of
cartooning. Additionally, throughout the gallery, we featured digital kiosks that tackled topics not fully addressed in the main exhibit. Wit and Humor featured more than 65 original artifacts and pieces of artwork.
cartooning. Additionally, throughout the gallery, we featured digital kiosks that tackled topics not fully addressed in the main exhibit. Wit and Humor featured more than 65 original artifacts and pieces of artwork.
Exhibition Graphics
Each section, particularly those devoted to important cartoonists, were introduced by large banners, measuring four-feet wide by ten-feet tall. Each banner features introductory text about the cartoonist, as well as an iconic image. The top of each banner features the cartoonist's name with stars and stripes color matched to those of the American flag. At the bottom of each banner appears a filtered version of an iconic cartoon, or element as in the case of Patrick Oliphant, by the cartoonist.
The banners were meant to convey the larger-than-life presence this cartoonists have in the field of cartooning. Each banner was created using Adobe Illustrator. All images were edited using Adobe Photoshop before being layered in Illustrator to create the final product. The banners, and the exhibit, were specifically designed to have minimal, yet patriotic feel.
Below are four examples of the exhibit's graphic banners, followed by contextual images of the exhibit.
Exhibition Photos
Media Coverage
http://www.insitebrazosvalley.com/brazos-valley-events/wit-humor-political-cartoon-exhibit-open-at-the-bush-library-museum/
https://www.theeagle.com/news/george-bush-presidential-library-and-museum-exhibits-political-cartoons-through-history/article_30a4ca82-ac3c-11e9-addf-43e02d9fff0b.html
https://www.kbtx.com/content/news/American-Political-Cartoons-exhibit-opens-to-public-at-Bush-Library-512738121.html
https://www.kwtx.com/content/news/bush-librarys-newest-exhibit-looks-at-politics-and-humor-525423791.html
https://www.kwtx.com/content/news/american-political-cartoons-exhibit-opens-to-public-at-bush-library-512779861.html
