Next in Line opens

30 September 2013: Next in Line: The Young Cartoonist Award opens

You are invited to take a close look at New Zealand’s social and political landscape through the eyes of up-and-coming cartoonists at the next exhibition at the Alexander Turnbull Library Gallery.

Exhibition curator Melinda Johnston says Next in Line features works by winners and participants in the inaugural New Zealand Cartoon Archive and New Zealand Listener Young Cartoonist Award, and is an insightful portrayal of current events.

“Next in Line showcases our talented and emerging young cartoonists and highlights the more contemporary work in the Turnbull Library’s cartoon collection”, Melinda Johnston says.

“The exhibition comments on local issues and satirises national and international figures.”

Work on show includes cartoons by Cory Mathis, a student from Wellington, who took out the top award in the competition, along with competition runners-up Jeff Bell and Toby Morris.

In addition to the final artwork the exhibition includes original drawings, giving visitors an appreciation of the process of cartoon development. A video of Toby Morris at work demonstrates the way young cartoonists combine traditional draftsmanship with computer manipulation to create today’s born-digital cartoons.

“Next in Line provides a first-hand opportunity to see the concerns engaging a new generation of cartoonists, and also provides an opportunity to note the significant role that cartoons have in a democratic society,” Melinda Johnston said.

“Coupled with the exhibition on Friday 15 November we are running a Cartoon Colloquium: Looking at women and cartoons today, and two Get in Line! Cartoon Workshops for five to 12-year olds on Saturday 12 October and 23 November.”

The exhibition and associated activities are timed to run from 30 September to 7 December. The Turnbull gallery is on the first floor of the National Library building in Molesworth Street, and is open 10–5 Monday to Saturday. More information on the Cartoon Colloquium and the workshops is available on the National Library website.

Melinda Johnston was appointed Research Librarian, Cartoons, at the Alexander Turnbull Library earlier this year. She was previously lecturer in Art History and Theory at the University of Canterbury and exhibitions manager for the University’s School of Fine Arts.

For more information and promotional images contact Christine Seymour on 04 494 0663 or Christine.Seymour@dia.govt.nz.