SAN ANTONIO — The McNay Art Museum is opening a thought-provoking new exhibition that examines the intersection of creativity, protest, and power through the lens of 19th-century print censorship.
Titled Do Not Meddle With It!!: Print Censorship in 19th Century Paris, the show draws inspiration from French artist Honoré Daumier’s 1834 lithograph Ne vous y frottez pas!! Liberté de la presse (Do Not Meddle with It!! Freedom of the Press). Known as the “Michelangelo of caricature,” Daumier used satire to challenge France’s bourgeoisie and government officials during an era when printed images were heavily censored.
On view from Aug. 21 through Dec. 7, the exhibition brings together works by 19th-century French printmakers alongside artists across time who confronted censorship in inventive ways. Visitors will encounter works by Daumier and Édouard Manet, shown in conversation with later artists such as Pablo Picasso, José Clemente Orozco, and José Guadalupe Posada, all of whom drew inspiration from earlier struggles for artistic freedom. The presentation also incorporates contemporary perspectives through activist artists Guerrilla Girls and Donald Moffett.
A Debut for New Curator
The exhibition marks the first curatorial project at the McNay for Elizabeth Kathleen Mitchell, Ph.D., who joined the museum as curator of prints and drawings in March.
“One of the goals of this exhibition is to promote dialogue about the power of creative expression amid oppositional forces,” Mitchell said. “Works from our collection help illustrate the tension between expression and censorship, which we see recurring across centuries and countries.”
Mitchell said she is eager to begin her McNay tenure with a show that fosters reflection on the roles of truth and power. “I look forward to creating meaningful encounters with art that illuminate big ideas and enhance the visitor experience.”
René Paul Barilleaux, head of curatorial affairs, praised Mitchell’s bold approach. “In her debut exhibition, Elizabeth brings thoughtful curation and a strong viewpoint that will give visitors a sense of the courageous work that challenged censorship,” he said.
Community Engagement
The exhibition is accompanied by educational and interactive resources. A free audio guide, available on the Bloomberg Connects app, features commentary from Mitchell and community partners. Coinciding with the opening, Mitchell will launch a video series, Between Two Prints, on social media featuring conversations with San Antonio-based artists about the works on view.
Limited-edition tote bags will be available at The McNay Store and online, offering visitors a way to take home a piece of the experience.
Do Not Meddle With It!!: Print Censorship in 19th Century Paris is organized for the McNay by Mitchell and supported by the Elizabeth Huth Coates Charitable Foundation of 1992.