ILLUSTRATION 2
Cartoonist Alexander Saroukhan Used Cartoons as Tool for Change
A Cartoonist Quest to change the Egyptian Society with his Cartoons.
CAIRO, EGYPT— Presently on display at the Al Masar Gallery in Cairo Egypt are works by acclaimed Egyptian political cartoonist Alexander Saroukhan. Titled Political Comedy, the show examines the art of political cartoons in Egypt in the early thirties and forties.
The retrospective exhibition celebrates the achievement of Alexander Saroukhan. An exceptional cartoonist, Saroukhan used his works to address important political and social issues of his time. He was very critical of Egyptian politicians. As a cartoonist, he was loved and feared.
A gifted and enterprising cartoonist, Saroukhan was considered one of the best and most famous caricaturists and cartoonists in the Arab world. When he moved to Egypt in 1924, he had with him more than 125 of his artworks.
His caricatures were published in Armenian magazines and newspapers, including the satiric paper Javroush, Akher Saa (Last Hour), Akhbar El Yom (Today’s News), La Caravane, La Presse Egyptienne, Image, The Honorable Beggars, Comrade Panchoonie, Armenia Cinema and Arev among many others.
In 1945, Alexander Saroukhan published a book that captivated many hearts. Titled Cette guerre (This War), the book warned about the outbreak of World War II, and impending calamity. The book was also proof of Saroukhan outstanding ability to use humor for criticism. His other book, The Political Year 1938 was also well-received. It featured a collection of political caricatures. Other publications include Our Seven Deadly Sins and a thought-provoking article titled How I Came to Egypt.
Until his death in 1977, Saroukhan was still drawing cartoons and caricatures for magazines and newspapers. Throughout his career that spanned more than five decades, he created more than 20,000 caricatures and cartoons. Political Comedy not only celebrates the life of this exceptional cartoonist, but it also shows how he effectively used his artwork to put politicians in check.
Famous Political Cartoonist Takes on Politics
Famous political Cartoonist Alexander Saroukhan Used Cartoons as Tool for Change
Helga Stentzel’s Grazing Animals Made From Old Clothes Are Eye-Opening
Smooothie, one of the grazing animals created by Helga-Stentzel from old cloths. Image courtesy of the artist.
BY SEAN LEYWES
LONDON-Unlike many people who throw their old clothes away, Helga Stentzel keeps hers for her art. The London-based artist uses these clothes to create animals in landscapes and their natural habitats. Stentzel describes her work as Household Surrealism, a coinage she explains comes from spending hours assisting her grandmother in identifying forms on carpets, birch logs, and other objects.
One of her recent works is Smooothie, a cow made from a hoodie, pants, and t-shirt. The cow is situated in a landscape that gives it an air of realism. There is also Pegasus, a horse made from a hoodie, pants, and napkin.
Hang-0n, another work by Helga Stentzel depicts a white polar bear in a landscape with snow. Made from a winter jacket and hat, Hang-0n was recently made to an NFTart to raise money for Trees for the Future (TREES), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping farmers and the preservation of the environment through the planting of trees.
But Stentzel does not use just clothes when creating her works. She uses almost everything around her including papers, fruits, food, and everything else. An important example is Brad Pet, a playful puppy made out of sliced bread assembled in a way to give shape to a puppy. There is also Crunchie, the adorable puppy made from lettuce.
Stentzel is an innovative artist who can turn almost anything to art. You can see more of her works on her Instagram page and website where you can also buy prints of her works.
Grazing Animals in Landscape
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