Asean cartoonists joins Zunar in online exhibition fighting for human rights

CAN cartoons fit within the framework of political journalism?

Pushing for greater recognition and importance of political cartoons in amplifying on the ground sentiment, cartoonist Zunar gathers fellow artists for an upcoming digital exhibition in a collective effort to encourage cartoonists in Asia to continue fighting for public consciousness.

Together with Persatuan Pendidikan Hujjah Ehsan and in partnership with The Vibes along with Indonesian weekly magazine Tempo as supporting media, the 2015 International Press Freedom Award recipient presents the Asean Human Rights Cartoon Exhibition.

In an exclusive interview with us at his studio in Petaling Jaya recently, Zulkiflee S.M. Anwar Ulhaque a.k.a. Zunar stressed that an event such as this is a long time coming, where the community is ready to take on the gradual increase of gloomy political discourse happening in their respective countries.

Highlighting the importance of the theme, which centres on social justice, he notes, “There have been many exhibitions such as this taking place in Europe, United States, and even the Middle East. 

“So, it is about time for Asia to have its own space for cartoonists to stand together and press for accountability among those in question (the powers at be) for issues pertaining to current affairs.

“In Malaysia, specifically, when we want to talk about what is crucial – there should be more emphasis on the freedom of expression especially with regards to human rights,” said Zunar.

“We have so many witticisms about things such as the pandemic and festive celebrations but where are the cartoons about justice? Even though there are few but the volume or – at the very least – visibility is still limited.

“This online exhibition is done in support of that, to give cartoonists in Asia the opportunity to propel the messages behind their work beyond their social media/private spaces and into an international arena,” he added.

“It’s also to provide young cartoonists the motivational boost they need by providing them the chance to grow their portfolio and gain wider attention that is not limited to friends and family.”

Set to officiate the month-long exhibition on May 3rd is Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, together with attending speakers Zunar, Human Rights Watch Asia Division deputy director Phil Robertson, as well as The Wahid Institute director and Indonesian politician Yenny Wahid.

The Asean Human Rights Cartoon Exhibition will also host special forums each weekend with designated speakers attending the individual sessions. 

Among them include Prof Dr Muliyadi Mahamood, Nalini Eumalai, Agus Widodo, Tanis Weraweksong, Josua Cabrera, Sarah Wahid, Sarah Joan Mokhtar, Faizati, Shazeera Zawawi, Grace Tjondro, and many more.

Despite the exhibition being seen as an international event that brings together the collaboration between multiple Asean nations, Zunar stressed on how audiences will see cartoons that significantly underline the domestic issues of each country through powerful drawings. 

“In my experience of participating in international events with political cartoons involved, a lot of Asian cartoonists will heavily draw on topics with regards to world politics, and these are mostly issues related to US affairs,” he said.

“For the coming event, the brief that was given to participating artists is clear – to highlight topics that ring true to the country they represent, interpreting the scenarios from inside out, not outside in.

“I’m not going to be talking about the situation in Thailand or any other countries in my drawings for this exhibition. The responsibility is on the cartoonists of the respective countries,” he added.

However, Zunar adds that there will be a separate exhibition running concurrently for the event with the main showcase, “... which will feature additional cartoons done in solidarity for Myanmar by participating cartoonists from neighbouring countries.

“The political state – and safety – in Myanmar right now is uncertain with the turbulent coup that happened back in February. We are doing this second gallery to show support for the people there.”

Sharing further how he managed to round up all the participating cartoonists, Zunar notes that contacts were made either through associations such as Persatuan Kartunis Indonesia (Pakarti), personal contacts, or a network of NGOs. 

“In Malaysia, it is through Kumpulan Kartunis Independen (KKI), which I formed but admittedly have yet to see any noteworthy efforts done to push the appreciation towards political cartoonists in the country.

“I can’t emphasise this enough, the need for this exhibition is also for people to gather and learn, especially those who are looking at having a future in doing political cartoons and understand the satire behind it,” noted Zunar.

“The best way to establish yourself is to get into the discussion by mixing with those who are already doing it and learning together.”

On what makes a good cartoon: “Beautiful art is not necessarily good, but good art is if you can deliver the message clearly or relay the information across quickly.

“The technique is not necessary about drawing but by ensuring the visual language is not complicated. This can be learned by understanding the balance between the subject (facts) and object (characters).

“In that process, it is important for political cartoonists to do their homework because you are targeting people – so you must make sure your defense is strong,” he added.

“But most importantly, if you want to make a joke, you need to make sure the relevance in public life is there where the audience can understand the cartoon well. This exhibition wishes just that, to awaken the society.” – The Vibes, April 25, 2021

*The Asean Human Rights Cartoon Exhibition will be hosted on the digital art gallery craftora.com ( https://craftora.com/) from 3 - 31 May 2021. Exhibition will be open and updated on launch date, 3 May 2021.