National Liberty Museum Unveils New ‘Graphic Content’ Exhibition Aimed to Take on Social & Political Issues
National Liberty Museum Unveils New ‘Graphic Content’ Exhibition Aimed to Take on Social & Political Issues
The National Liberty Museum will open a new exhibition Graphic Content on Friday, June 18, 2021. The Museum will also revive a selection of pieces from Caretoons, a popular annual exhibition/competition that ran from 2005-2010, as a companion piece that is suitable for visitors of all ages.
Located in the Museum’s Live Like a Hero Gallery, the new Graphic Content exhibition features uncensored, unfiltered work from artists who have drawn inspiration from counterculture tradition, giving voice to those outside the mainstream. The exhibit features 36 artists from around the world, including 27 artists from Philadelphia, who tackle difficult issues such as systemic racism, mental health, homophobia, and more by confronting and responding to these issues head-on through creative art mediums.
All of the artwork featured embodies the artists’ personal reflections on the current social and political climate. Given that Graphic Content contains a number of uncensored works that feature violence, profanity, nudity, and racially sensitive imagery, the exhibit may not be suitable for all ages. Therefore, the Museum will resurrect a selection of pieces from Caretoons in tandem to act as a companion piece that can be enjoyed by museum-goers of all ages.
In creating Caretoons more than a decade and a half ago, the Museum designed an exhibition that used the powerful artform of cartooning to celebrate diversity, inclusion, liberty, and freedom. Through drawings submitted by children, as well as amateur and professional artists from around the world, the images in Caretoons grapple with contemporary issues through the approachable lens of cartoons and graphic art
“When uncensored, artists have the unique opportunity to drive necessary dialogue that allows us to see the world differently,” said Meegan Coll, NLM Exhibitions Manager. “The artists featured in Graphic Content hold a mirror up to our society, daring us to take a long, hard, and unflinching look at dark truths that exist beneath the surface. Despite the 10+ year gap between the premiere of Caretoons and Graphic Content, we’ve found that both exhibitions provide a clear demonstration of the power of art to continue to challenge norms, push boundaries, and advance necessary dialogue year over year.”
The exhibition will debut with an exclusive members-only on-site preview on Thursday, June 17, 2021 at 5pm. The members-only debut will include fun and informative pop-up chats with Graphic Content artists, as well as light refreshments. Those interested in participating in this event can obtain membership information at https://www.libertymuseum.org/join-support/membership2/
The exhibition will be unveiled to the public with an adult (18+) after-hours party on-site on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 5pm. Every 
30 minutes, attendees will hear from artists about how their graphic-centered artwork acts as social commentary with special pop-up artist chats. The fun continues with custom t-shirt printing from Philadelphia’s Awesome Dudes Printing (these t-shirts will be available for purchase at the NLM gift shop) and two chances to see a Drag Queen Storytime performed by Miss Brittany Lynn at 7pm and 8pm (suitable for adults only). Attendees can also purchase tickets to be redeemed for cocktails made by one of Philly’s favorite bars, Tattooed Mom.
Ticket price includes admission to the Museum. The first 50 attendees will receive a complimentary beer from SlyFox Brewery (MUST show ID). Drink tickets for Tattooed Mom are $10. Special Offer: Purchase a Tattooed Mom drink ticket along with your admission and save 10%! $12 (general); $8 (student); $0 (members).
Following the grand opening, visitors can view the exhibit Thursday through Sunday at National Liberty Museum from 10am-5pm. This exhibit will be on display until November.
