2019
UCC to host exhibition of satirical cartoonist Martyn Turner’s work
A retrospective exhibition of Irish Times satirist Martyn Turner at UCC will feature some of his most iconic drawings from the past 45 years.
Presented by the Department of Government and Politics and the Boole Library UCC, the exhibition will be launched this Wednesday (February 20) at 5 pm in the O’Rahilly Building, UCC (Social Area, Block B, Floor 2).
The Essex-born political cartoonist and writer began contributing cartoons to the Irish Times in June 1971, and they have appeared daily since 1976.
The exhibition, titled The Times We Live In: Martyn Turner’s Satire, will explore his work under the themes ‘Plus Ça Change’, to remind us that history tends to repeat itself, and ‘The Politicians We Deserve’, featuring close-to-the-bone political caricatures and Turner’s chronicling of current affairs.
"UCC is delighted to host 'The Times We Live In' and to provide a space for sharing and celebrating the work of Irish Times satirical cartoonist Martyn Turner. In these challenging political times, Martyn Turner's wit, humour and genius educate and entertain in equal measure," said Dr Mary Murphy, Lecturer, Department of Government and Politics, UCC.
The free exhibition, which originally ran at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin as part of the Jonathan Swift Festival last year, celebrates Martyn Turner’s legacy as one of Ireland’s greatest living satirists and will run until March 29.
Jessica Traynor, Deputy Museum Director at EPIC and exhibition curator, said: “We’re delighted to remount this successful exhibition of Martyn Turner’s work in partnership with the Department of Government and Politics at UCC.
“Looking back at Martyn’s work over the years, it’s a reminder that the satire of the past can sometimes have much to say today. As a cartoonist, he’s still at the height of his powers and I think we’ll be shaking our heads at his prescient tendencies for years to come.”
Professor Chris Williams, Head of the College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences, UCC, will launch the exhibition, and all are welcome to attend.
Please register your interest in attending by emailing government@ucc.ie.