The Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators presents “Politics ‘08.”  On view through October 4, 2008, the exhibition will showcase the original art from today’s top illustrators surrounding this year’s primaries and general elections. With recent coverage of the debates, a growing awareness in politics has piqued the media’s interest in political illustration and caricature once again, creating an array of important and controversial images. Through magazine websites and artist’s blogs, illustration is bringing Americans together online to discuss the politics of the day, stressing the importance to vote in the upcoming elections. Art from magazines and newspapers of all political affiliations will be represented in this exhibit, allowing artists to express their views on the 2008 election in print and in a variety of new media.

Curated by former Art Director at TIME Magazine, Edel Rodriguez, the exhibition features the work of political illustrators including Steve Brodner, Philip Burke, Tim O’Brien, Hanoch Piven, Stephen Kroninger, Luba Lukova and Barry Blitt. Original art used for print by Rolling Stone, The New York Times, TIME Magazine, The New York Observer and the controversial New Yorker cover of Barack and Michelle Obama will be on display along with the printed publications.

In an interview with the Nation, illustrator Steve Brodner explains the importance of political illustration: “They are an important part of the mix. They are a way to encapsulate ideas, to make them clear and find what is compelling. We look for meanings, for passions, for true things. If you can have all these factors working simultaneously, you are a master.”

Politics ’08
On view through October 4th, 2008
Society of Illustrators
128 East 63rd Street
New York, NY 10065
212.838.2560