KUALA LUMPUR: For Malaysian cartoonists, true art comes from looking beyond people’s differences and backgrounds; it’s about capturing the unity that binds the nation’s diverse cultures.
This was showcased by 50 cartoonists at the National Museum for the Festival Kartun Perpaduan.
Cartoonist Mohd Khairul Anuar A. Rahman, who is also known as Katon Aqhari, 44, said it is important for him to look beyond differences to create genuine artwork that speaks for itself.
“I was raised by an Indian babysitter for four years and I grew attached to her. This exposure at a young age taught me that everyone is simply human,” said Khairul.
“I was very close to her, and I was inspired to draw cartoons of the family who took care of me,” he added.
“As an artist, I don’t see race or skin colour because of how I was brought up. If you are not particular about all this, you can produce genuine artwork.”
Echoing his view is Farah Farhana Ahmad Nahar, 30, who has been a cartoonist for the past five years.
She collects and buys traditional outfits of other races to gain inspiration for her cartoons.
“I’m interested in the cultural concept and I try to do more of that in my artworks.”
Strokes of harmony: (From left) Danusharadas Nelson Dass, MC Lee, Saraswathy Shanmugam, CW Siew, Najiha Zamani and Anis Zam Zam at a batik drawing booth during the Festival Kartun Perpaduan at the National Museum. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
Farah Farhana shared that her upcoming comic book is about Malaysian culture and is targeted at the young to help them better understand and resolve potential social conflicts in the country today.
“To come up with these drawings and story, I need to do a lot of research. This is my opportunity to learn more about other cultures.”
One of her works displayed at the festival is a bookmark featuring an Indian girl dressed in a saree – an artwork she said was created after careful observation and research.
Sukhbir Cheema, 39, said art often helps him connect with people from all walks of life.
A cartoonist for the past 12 years, he shared that drawing in public spaces often helps spark conversations with strangers.
“I usually draw at mamak shops and people of different races will come up to me to talk about my work. Some have asked me to draw them, too.
“So it’s a way to create connections with other Malaysians in random places,” said Sukhbir, who is also a writer.
At the festival, Sukhbir was among those who evaluated a children’s colouring competition and created cartoons that reflected unity.
“Today, I drew a Malay man in baju Melayu with his cat.
“The inspiration came from the Raya celebrations back in the day when my friends would invite me over. They’d be all dressed up and we would have a good time together,” he shared.
Sukhbir’s cartoons often combine humour and social commentary to show how Malaysians can sometimes have flaws but still find ways to stay united despite their differences.
National Unity Ministry secretary-general Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, who graced the event, said cartoons are not just humorous but also often incorporate positive messages on unity.
Also present at the event was Zunar, or Zulkiflee Anwar Haque, as a Selangor Sketch Art Association (Saksama) adviser and director of the event.
The festival, organised by the National Unity Ministry through the Malaysian Museums Department, started yesterday and will end at 6pm today.
