This provocative and irreverent collection of protest art is the result of Arkin Mackay’s background in photography, design and multimedia, and her tendency to look for the absurdity in any situation.

She has found that combining her favourite saying ‘Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand’ and her favourite t-shirt slogan ‘Laugh at your enemies, it makes them nervous’ is a bold and effective way to tackle any act of political bastardry and is much cheaper than therapy.

“What’s So Dam Funny?” is inspired by the tireless individuals in the No Dam campaign, and is dedicated to the ‘Accidental Activists’ – the residents of the Mary River Valley, who find themselves caught up in a bitter political struggle against an indifferent and obstructionist bureaucracy driven by power and greed.

Particular thanks for providing text, ideas or inspiration goes to:
Darren Edwards: Dammit comics, PowderPuff Dam, Mentally QWIPLED & Learn to Read with Valley Kids
Rev Iain Watt: PowderPuff Dam
Victor Hill: The End is Bligh
Elaine Bradley: Learn to Read with Valley Kids

& collective thanks to all campaigners, from near and far, who have managed to retain a sense of humour despite psychological warfare tactics deployed against them by their own state government.

The views expressed in this exhibition are not necessarily shared by everyone in the no dam campaign.
Any resemblance to real people, living or dead, is entirely satirical.
No politicians were harmed in the making of this exhibition.