[Art] How are political cartoonists in the Middle East & North Africa region drawing attention to social issues?

Extract

The lot of political cartoonists in the Middle East & North Africa region is not an easy one.

In their native countries, many of these artistic activists’ face censorship, persecution, imprisonment or worse, for putting pen to paper.

Sudanese political artist Khalid Albaih lives in Denmark. His caricatures & criticism of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, have made it impossible for him to live in his homeland.

Romanian-born & Qatar-raised, the son of a diplomat has always been surrounded by politics.

Through countless exhibitions and via social media, the activist has been tirelessly trying to dispel mistruths about Sudan and the wider region.

Most famously, his works were emblazoned on walls and banners across the Middle East & North Africa, by protesters and street artists during the Arab Spring.

“For me, the Arab Spring is still going on. Its outcomes are still happening,” Albaih told Inspire Middle East’s Rebecca McLaughlin-Eastham. “And I believe cartooning will always be a strong way to convey a message. It’s in the middle, it’s not journalism and it’s not full on art, so we talk to everyone.