Kozhikode: ‘Cartoons’ has been considered the simplest but most thought provoking medium that contributed much in shaping the society through sarcastic criticism, reacting to the issues that happen around the world. On the ‘World Cartoonists’ Day’ (May 5) , a day to recognise every creative ink-stained artist both from the present and past, DC talks to Basheer Kizhisseri, a cartoonist who eke out a living as a mechanic in KSRTC but pursue cartoons as his passion.
His quest with cartooning started at young age. Since then cartoon has been his tool of speech and expression, questioning and criticising both social and political issues. His recently published book Noolamala sheds light into his world of cartoons.
“I consider cartoon as one of the simplest and easiest way to invoke the public”, says Basheer and he thus concentrates in making comics that can make people both laugh and think a bit about the issues mentioned.
Inspired by noted cartoonist Prakash Shetty, Basheer Kizhissery has gained his knowledge through continuous observation. Despite his busy schedule as a mechanic, Mr Kizhissery is on with exploring art of caricaturing and creating cartoons.
However Basheer Kizhissery is unhappy with the young generation who seldom engage in the art of ‘observation’. “They find more time in taking selfies from accident spots than helping the victims”, he said. “In-fact the scenes of tragedies transformed into a venue of celebration with the selfie culture spreading wings”, Basheer said.
Focusing at socio-political and environmental issues, Basheer is regularly contributing to dailies, weeklies and cartoon specific publications like Narmmabhoomi.
On the importance of being a cartoonist, Basheer Kizhissery said that making cartoons is a talent. “I would like to inspire the emerging cartoonists not to lose their passion as their works are mighty enough to trigger off social revolution”, he said.
