Last night we did something out of the ordinary in this desert peninsula. Believe it or not, we actually found ourselves at a wonderful cultural event. The happening was a political cartoon joint exhibition by famous and controversial cartoonist Shujaat — with work that has upset a number of countries (including the US and Iran) — and that of Frenchman Jean Plantureux.
It was fun to see Shujaat’s work displayed at the French Cultural Center. I was impressed by the many awards he has won from different international organizations. His work is smart, witty and oh so politically-risque! It really is wonderfully expressive stuff, even if you don’t always agree with his political message.
During the exhibition, Shujaat was very busy drawing caricatures of visitors. However, I managed to interrupt him to tease him about a sexy drawing of Salma Hayek in a huge montage image that he managed to sneak in alongside all those politically controversial cartoons. Really, what’s with men and Salma Hayek anyway? Plantureux had his moments as well, peaking our interest with his curious "Thong-Hijab" [in the middle below] cultural comparative.
HOw cool. and you guys say nothing fun happens in qatar?
I love shujaat’s cartoons. they are so funny and make a great deal of sense, unlike alot of other cartoons i have come across in my life.
Sure. For more Shujaat in animated Flash format you can check his work out here. Frenchman Plantu can be found here.
Great Cartoonist..
Daes he have a website or something where we can enjoy more of his work?
A cultural event with Shujaat… che shavad! On a related note, the Iranian TV, Iran Newspaper, and some online conservative Persian news website have taken this humorous piece by Andy Borowitz on the Newsweek’s website seriously and published it as a news item! Now try to imagine the part about ‘Hannity and Hussein’ show, and “Television insiders were taken aback that the network whose motto is ‘We Report. You Decide,’ would acquire a broadcast entity whose slogan is ‘Death to the Infidels'” reported in a serious tone, now that’s funny! You’ll be dealing with Murdoch fellows!