Egypt inspires cartoonists

RNW, 2 February 2011, by RNW Multimedia

(Image: Farhad Faroutanian)

An Egyptian mural depicting fighting men. A pyramid-shaped tank. Cartoonists all around the world are inspired by the popular revolt tearing through Egypt.

Radio Netherlands Worldwide selected four pieces from the internet platform Cartoon Movement. The images vary from funny to grim.

Angry protesters blow the crown off a man sitting on a throne. Despite the lack of resemblance, it’s not difficult to figure out who is portrayed in this image.

According to Cartoon Movement’s Tjeerd Royaards, the same little man shows up hundreds of times in the work of Egyptian cartoonist Sherif Arafa. “Sherif himself calls him Mr Responsible.

He personifies the regime. The question is when will Arafa be allowed to draw recognisable pictures of Egypt’s political leaders.”

The ‘crying eye’ cartoon was made by Farhad Faroutanian, an Iranian artist who has lived in the Netherlands since 1986.

Cartoon Movement - Sherif Arafa

Cartoon Movement - Matteo Bertelli

Cartoon Movement - Farhad Foroutanian