I am not going to try to make up a topic this time. It’s Summer and while both good and bad things are still happening, there is no issue that caught the attention of more than two artists at a time. Flooding in Pakistan – one cartoon. Fires in Russia – two cartoons. Deepwater Horizon leak finally closed – one cartoon. (OK, technically it’s three cartoons – but the other two are very specifically German). Maybe this is the time to try something new:
Cartoons of Interest
Alright then:
1a) “Tomato” is a dada-ish piece about the question whether tomatoes are fruits or vegetables. The artist seems to settle for the latter.
1b) “Tiefseeartenzählung” refers to the Census of Marine Life, which published a report last week. I liked the colors and composition of this cartoon. As well as marine life in general.
1c) “Terrorist Frustration” is one of those cartoons I dont understand. Does it call for everyone preparing to blow themselves up in order to piss off terrorists or does it show the artist’s view of modern society? Any other suggestions?
2a) “Stereo Cornflower” is a somewhat suggestive picture with a mysterious title that might or might not be the result of something getting lost in translation.
2b) “Schizo” is a classic therapist couch gag. It’s funny, though.
2c) “Robert Jhonson” is a pencilled portrait of blues musician Robert Johnson following one of the two existing photos of Johnson. I really like the way the hands are drawn and could have done without the watermark.
3a) “Make Up” is a comment on common picture editing practice – Simple and nicely executed.
3b) “Elephant Blues” is a drawing of an elephant posing as a 1990s-electric blues guy. He has an ear piercing and a reversed pink baseball hat.
3c) “Adoniran Barbosa” is a portrait of Brazilian samba singer Barbosa. I admittedly had to look him up on Wikipedia but the caricature is one of those cubist-like works that, while it may not be unique in style, is refreshing if you have to browse through thousands of “traditional” caricatures.
My favourite, however, is “Supergau beim Italiener” by Anjo. It translates to “Italian Restaurant Worst Case Scenario – When Pasta and Antipasti Collide”. It may be a silly joke, but I like the tiny mushroom cloud.
Tags: last week, letzte woche, something new
