Cartoons by Kafranbel
A previously unheard-of hamlet in Syria has emerged as a centre for witty, sardonic cartoons
As the protest movement spread across the country, unique forms of creative expression have taken root in dissident Syria. Kafranbel, a previously unheard-of hamlet in north-western Syria, has become a centre for witty, sardonic political commentary. Anonymous local cartoonists, illustrators and graphic designers have garnered international acclaim for their hand-drawn cartoons and immaculately lettered protest banners. In the past they captioned their collective work ‘Occupied Kafranbel’. In 2013, the activists there started signing their drawings ‘Syrian Revolution – Kafranbel’. Whatever their pen names, photographs depicting a cartoon or a sign are normally held up by ordinary people in the village to suggest that all of the inhabitants of Kafranbel are responsible for the political sentiments being expressed. A lively communal creative process takes place, as a committee of citizens – including a Shakespeare expert – decides on topics and themes and collaborates closely with local artists.
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