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Art Articles
The Unusual World of Political Cartoons PDF Print E-mail

By Elizabeth McPherson

Many people would agree that one part of the newspaper they cannot ignore is the cartoon section.  Something about the comics page appeals to both young and old alike.  Perhaps it is the straight forward aspect of the simplistic humor.  Beyond the simplicity is a category of cartoon that strikes deeper than child-like comedy while offering real meaning and quick wit. 

Political cartoons are nothing new.  From the modern depictions of donkeys and elephants to politicians and organizations, this form of art is meant to act as a catalyst in a diverse and seemingly disillusioned society.  It is because of this that the political cartoon has wedged itself permanently into the editorials.  It acts as a social commentary transcending all the political jabber of the typical spoken or written word.

These types of illustrations date pretty far back.  One of the most infamous cartoons, which triggered the popularity and recurrence of such a method of communication, was published in the 1870’s by cartoonist Thomas Nast.  The artist created a series of cartoons in response to the political scandal of a New York politician and his involvement in the disappearance of over two hundred million in taxpayer dollars.  Because of the cartoon series, the politician lost his career, eventually ending in prosecution, and most notably, the power of the political cartoon was realized.

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What is Art? PDF Print E-mail

When we think of art, many times it triggers images of paintings and galleries.  We remember those field trips of our childhood years, visiting the museums housing great works of the famed and, occasionally, little-known artists.  But to an artist, art is a reflection of themselves; much more than mere paint and canvas.  To artists and art lovers alike, art extends beyond museums and galleries.  It is an opportunity to express and reflect style, personality, and passion.  For some, this means a collection of oils on canvas, but for others it can mean a passion for photography, sculpting, dance, and innumerable other forms of expression.

Because art is so diverse, spanning history and various cultures, defining such proves to be a tedious task.  Is it limited to a specific discipline?  Does it submit to a predefined set of rules that guide the craft?  Can it even be defined?

The Encyclopedia Britannica defines art as, ‘A visual object or experience consciously created through an expression of skill or imagination.’  With such a broad definition, it is clear that all of us, in some manner, are artists.  We all, at some point, create something that reflects our imagination or skill.

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