Cartoons and characters on display at Pinnacles Gallery
Date published: 14 July 2016
A retrospective exhibition which surveys one of Townsville’s most celebrated political cartoonists, Robert Hebden, affectionately known by his pen name ‘HEB’, will open at Pinnacles Gallery, Riverway Arts Centre this Saturday night.
HEB, who died in 2014, was a prolific artist who created cartoons for more than 50 years producing over 4,500 works many of which were published in local papers. Life and Laughs | HEB: A Retrospective showcases 91 of HEB’s works and highlights the immense contribution that he made to the region through his satirical cartoons.
Community and Cultural Development Committee chair Councillor Colleen Doyle said it was wonderful to see HEB’s fun and irreverent cartoons on display.
“HEB had a certain tropical take on life and his cartoons provided a humorous look at local, state and national politics,” Cr Doyle said.
“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to not only celebrate HEB’s contribution to the community but to look back through Townsville’s history, its politics and personalities and to view them through HEB’s wonderfully entertaining and insightful gaze.”
Shane Fitzgerald, Manager Gallery Services, said, “When you look at his works what is immediately apparent is HEB’s artistic talent, his sharp wit and his love affair with Townsville.”
A skilled jazz drummer and also a guitarist, Heb played in numerous bands, most notably as a founding member of the Pacific Mainstream Jazz Band from 1974. The Pacific Mainstream Jazz Band will be performing at the exhibition opening.
As well as a talented musician and cartoonist, Heb worked as a draftsman with the Townsville City Council for 48 years.
Life and Laughs | HEB: A Retrospective will be launched at Pinnacles Gallery, Riverway Arts Centre on Saturday 16 July at 7pm. An exhibition talk Highlights of Life and Laughs will be held at Pinnacles Gallery, Riverway Arts Centre on Sunday, 17 July at 10.30am. These are both free events and all are welcome to attend.
Proudly presented by Pinnacles Gallery in partnership with the Townsville Bulletin.
