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.