The gates of a previously padlocked Australia exploded open in February 2022, revealing an Earth once travelled by passport-happy Australians – we were once again free to come and go as we please.

After two years of a no-travel iron fist, many of us had become comfortable on our couches in isolation, and trepidation of the unknown surged through an anxious population.

This year’s iteration of Canberra’s perennially favourite Behind the Lines exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) explores the year that was in its latest theme ‘Off the Planet’ – paying homage to the end of closed borders, both national and international.

Exhibition curator Amy Lay explains that at its core, ‘Off the Planet’ is about remembering that feeling when Australia opened its borders and we “all exploded, wide out of our living rooms” with a sense of ‘what else is out there?’.

The world now seems “a bit alien” to some of us and an underlying hum of anxiety and uncertainly lingered through 2022.

But Lay says there was still a sense of optimism mixed with “oh no, what if it’s still there” as we cautiously peered around the corner at the end of the pandemic finish line.

“I can think of no better theme than floating out into the ether in 2022,” says Lay.

Opening ‘Off the Planet’ is Political Cartoonist of the Year David Pope, whose impressive, thought-provoking and humorous work has featured across many past exhibitions.

MoAD Acting Director Andrew Harper said: “David Pope continued to impress with his highly recognisable style, in which he was able to plumb new depths of detail on characters both new and old.”

This year, there’s a plethora of new and emerging artists who have either never been shown before or are recent contributors in the exhibition, and Lay is excited about the inclusion of less traditional mediums which give a new perspective on political cartooning.

Harper is particularly impressed by two newcomers onto the scene who both appeared for the first time in 2021 and were highly rated in the judging for 2022.

“Megan Herbert’s work included thought-provoking pieces on international issues including Roe v Wade, but also offered levity on the new national hobby of ‘doomscrolling’,” he says.

“Nordacious’ punchy, pop-art inspired work mixes political commentary with pop culture references, which resonated with the panel.”

Two honourable mentions by Harper are Cathy Wilcox, who had another impressive year balancing humour with poignancy using her distinct style, and Fiona Katauskas, who addressed the concerns of flood-affected voters and celebrated with families who could finally afford to buy themselves a lettuce thanks to the wage rise.

Lay is excited for the public to see the different takes that may emerge from the exhibition and which cartoons resonate with visitors. Unable to choose one particular standout, she said every cartoon is interesting or will create a response, and is interested to see which will become the favourites.

A 1970s space aesthetic brings a pop of colour to this year’s exhibition, which Harper said makes us think about all the weird and wonderful things out there, and what else exists that we don’t know.

There’s been a lot of content for political cartoonists to cover this year, said Harper, with the extensive list including COVID-19, social justice issues including First Nations Australians and workplace safety for women, international news such as war in Ukraine to political upheaval in the UK and US, natural disasters including the devastating floods at home, cost of living issues, and the federal election in May. 

Any election year is big for the exhibition, but Harper said this year felt heavy and rich with more than enough content for the cartoonists to work with – not all pleasant, but content nonetheless.

“Cartooning is an important function in Australia and really celebrates the rich tradition of free speech and free expression, which are cornerstones of our democracy, and a sign of a healthy democracy where different perspectives can be freely discussed in cartoon format,” said Harper.

He added the exhibition has further pushed the envelope of diversity within cartooning, both in sources and styles, noting satirical works appear in different forms and platforms in 2022.

“It [Behind the Lines] appeals to Australia generally because people appreciate the satirical role that it plays and the freedom that is democracy by the fact that this kind of activity takes place and this kind of exhibition can be shown openly,” Harper said.

The official reopening of MoAD’s front doors and steps after they were set alight on 30 December 2021 during a protest comes just in time for the launch of the refreshed Behind the Lines exhibition, and Harper is particularly excited for the public to be welcomed back inside.

It will be exceptionally special to Lay, as it’s her first time curating the flagship exhibition for MoAD. She said it’s the kind of show people come to year in, year out and is honoured to have the chance to be involved.

Behind the Lines – The Year in Political Cartoons 2022: Off the Planet opens on Thursday 1 December from 2pm at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House and continues through to November 2023.

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