Steve Breen’s Art Exhibit: “Drawing the Line” Opens at PLNU

Point Loma Nazarene University’s Keller Gallery is hosting Steve Breen’s “Drawing the Line” exhibit, which opened on November 4.

A two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, Steve Breen has spent 28 years shaping the world of political cartoons. His work has been featured in prestigious publications like The New York Times, USA Today, and Newsweek. After leaving the San Diego Union-Tribune in 2023, Breen joined inewsource, a nonprofit news outlet based in San Diego.

The Meaning Behind the Lines

For Breen, the most important element of a cartoon is its message. He explained that his process involves scanning the news and narrowing down the day’s biggest stories to three or four topics worth commenting on.

“The more you know, the more you’re able to kind of comment with authority on that subject,” Breen said, emphasizing the importance of research and understanding.

He believes interacting with the community is crucial for creating meaningful commentary. “You’ve got to get out there,” he said. “Talk to everyone – from politicians to teachers, real estate agents, business owners, and even the person at the local taco stand.”

Balancing Art and Humor

Breen asserts that a cartoon should convey a clear message. “The best cartoons are the ones that have little to no words,” he said. His caricature of Vladimir Putin, displayed in the exhibit, is one of his most powerful works in this regard.

“I try to emphasize the artwork,” Breen explained. “You’ve got to have a good idea, but you should also push the envelope graphically.”

Political Neutrality

Breen’s work isn’t tied to a specific political agenda. Instead, he focuses on issues he feels strongly about. “You could look at one of my cartoons and think, ‘Oh, he’s a total liberal,’ and then look at another and think, ‘Oh, he’s a total conservative,’” he said. “It’s not by design. It’s just who I am.”

With a degree in political science, Breen’s understanding of political systems enriches his cartoons, enabling him to comment thoughtfully on both domestic and international issues.

A Journey in Cartooning

To find his footing as a cartoonist, Breen studied the works of legendary cartoonists who came before him. As a college student, he balanced attending fraternity parties with long hours in the library, obsessively analyzing cartoons and creating his own.

“When I was not at fraternity parties, I was in the library, studying cartoons,” he joked.

The Exhibit and Community Engagement

“Drawing the Line” showcases works spanning Breen’s career and will remain on display at Keller Gallery until December 6. David Carlson, chair of PLNU’s Department of Art and Design, said he hopes the exhibit fosters dialogue and unity during a time of heightened division.

“This exhibition provides a venue for our community to come together, engage in dialogue, celebrate life, and foster creativity,” Carlson said.

Breen also visited art classes at PLNU, sharing his creative process with students. Faith Napier, a senior graphic design major, said Breen’s authenticity and insights resonated with her.

“It was reassuring to hear him talk about how hard it can be to come up with ideas,” Napier said. “As an art student, I can totally relate to that.”

The Power of Art

Carlson believes the exhibit goes beyond being a simple art show. It serves as a space for meaningful connections, critical dialogue, and creative inspiration.

Steve Breen’s “Drawing the Line” is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art, humor, and political commentary. It highlights the power of cartoons to challenge, inform, and bring people together. Don’t miss this chance to experience the work of a master cartoonist.