| Political cartoonists
have documented the eccentrities and exaggerated
the physical features of our politicians for
centuries. From the dogged drunken Irish man
in Punch to the controversial Islamic images
portrayed in Danish magazines political cartoons
have amused and offended for as long as we can
remember. Now prominent political cartoonist,
Donal Casey comes to Athlone to discuss the
fascinating history of political cartoons in
19th century Ireland, as part of Athlone’s
2011 Literary Festival.
A native of Athlone, who is now based in Dublin,
Donal trained as an illustrator and cartoonist
in Madrid. His political cartoons are unique,
insightful and humorous and will be well-known
to readers of Magill magazine. In addition to
his talk, which is titled ‘Political Cartoons
in 19th century Ireland’, Donal will be
exhibiting his work in the Bastion Gallery and
will be facilitating a workshop for children
on how to draw a comic strip. Donal said he
was delighted to be taking part in this year’s
festival, “I’m really looking forward
to working with young students on how to create
comic strips and to having my first exhibition
in Athlone.”
‘Political cartoons in 19th century Ireland’
will take place in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel
on Sat
October 8th from 12 – 1:00pm at a fee
of €5, and will be followed by the workshop
‘How to Draw a Comic Strip’ at 3:15pm.
This is an interactive workshop for 7-12 year
olds, the fee for the workshop is €10.
The exhibition of his work will run in the Bastion
Gallery from Monday October 3rd for one week
leading up to Athlone’s Literary Festival,
Oct 7th , 8th & 9th.
This years festival features diverse events
such as a creative writing workshop, a discussion
with John Lonergan and an evening with renowned
poet Michael Harding, the event literally has
something for everyone. A full festival programme
is available on www.athloneliteraryfestival.com
and the Festival can also be found on Facebook
and Twitter.
To make a booking, please contact literaryathlone@gmail.com
or phone/text 086 2282760.
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