NEW ORLEANS (October 31, 2019) – An exhibit of political cartoons by local artist John Slade, “Political Gastronomy,” will remain open for viewing in the Cook Art Gallery through Nov. 20.

The exhibit of Slade’s work opened on Sept. 10, with a reception on Sept. 17.

John Barnes, program director of visual arts and an assistant professor, described the exhibit as “a suite of political cartoons that cover a broad range of national and local subject matter relevant to followers of contemporary politics.”

Barnes added with U.S. politics invading many spaces that heretofore were immune from such division, “Using cartoons allows viewers to temporarily suspend their virulent political stances and find the humor and irony within.”

Slade, 62, has drawn political cartoons for newspapers; published a comic book, “Afro Brother Spacemen”; and co-hosted a show on WBOK radio show. His cartoons can be found on the media website Think504.com.

A New Orleans native and graduate of the University of New Orleans, Slade also is a neighbor of Dillard, residing in the Sugar Hill subdivision across the street from campus. He reported in an interview published earlier in the Gentilly Messenger that he learned to swim at the campus pool.

He said during that interview in the Gentilly Messenger that he has been drawing since childhood and got into political cartoons via reading MAD magazine.

The featured pieces also are for sale and priced at $300 each.

The Cook Art Gallery, established 25 years ago by Cheryl Dixon, former chair of Visual Arts and Dillard alumna, is intended to give students access to “a clean and professionally arranged art exhibition space,” Barnes said.

“The Gallery serves as a source of visual culture and inspiration for the campus and the community at-large.” 

It is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Visitors may sign up at the gallery to  stay informed via email of upcoming events.