Is caricature art rising in popularity? It seems so, as many caricaturists are featured prominently in newspapers all over the world. This isn’t a coincidence. Political unrest is rampant on every continent. The global economy is in, to put it mildly, tatters. Unemployment rates are awful. Young people are rioting. Pensions aren’t being honored. There is anger and disdain in the air.
That anger and disdain often swoops into a caricaturist’s pen as he or she sketches the offbeat image of a political figure. By artistically “attacking” a controversial political figure, the caricaturist is able to alleviate people’s anger. It is therapy and protest rolled into one.
Many people think of caricature art as simply a sideshow at parties or fairs. However, this form of cartoon art can also be used in some very political ways. Political cartoonists often employ caricature as a way of commenting on different news subjects.
An outburst of satiric caricature work is often a sign that an area is experiencing political unrest. Take, for example, the rise of caricature art in Egyptian political cartoons. Caricature art was not present in Egyptian cartoons during the entire reign of Hosni Mubarak. However, Egyptian revolutions created a better atmosphere for free speech, and caricature flourished in the days preceding Mohamed Morsi.
With the restrictions eased regarding what a cartoonist can comment on, many political cartoonists were able to take advantage of a lot of humor created by awkward Morsi speeches. Some cartoon artists likened his odd word choices and flailing arm motions to that of a bumbling magician or wizard. Political cartoonists knew that there was a political crisis in Egypt well before the rest of the world heard about the country’s protests of Morsi’s rule.
Caricature artists don’t set political agendas or run for office, but they can provide an important role in politics by giving a voice to those without power. There is a lot more room for political comment in art because of the subjective nature of the form. By contrast, written reporting is expected to be factual and nothing but.
Caricature art has always been meant for those with a sense of humor in the face of trying times. Contact me if you’re looking for an artist who respects the power that artwork has to deliver powerful messages. While I don’t necessarily do political drawings, I do understand their importance and if a person requests something more politically minded, I will happily oblige. After all, caricature is humor, therapy and protest rolled into one!
