Caricature drawing by Mawil (Photo courtesy of Mawil)
CAIRO – 30 October 2017: Long known in cultural history as the first primitive form of art, comic art has been traced throughout several caricature or comical expressions across the globe as a result of political, societal, and emotional disputes or causes. Egypt Today speaks with the renowned German comic artist Mawil about the value of caricature and the steps needed to initiate a successful caricature idea.
Caricature drawing by Mawil (Photo courtesy of Mawil)
Mawil will be giving a comic
in Egypt at the Goethe Institute in Alexandria, exposing participants to the artistic world of Caricature on November 12.
et: What will participants learn in the upcoming workshop at the Goethe Institute in Alexandria?
M: Participants are expected to learn how to read comics and how comics are structured to be readable in the best way. They need to understand what is happening between the panels and how each panel can work together to form a ‘film’ in the head of the reader and how they can change the format, perspective, lightning, and timing by using only simple lines that create dramaturgy, action and emotions. All these aspects will be tackled through exercises, discussions, and an examination of their work.
Caricature drawing by Mawil (Photo courtesy of Mawil)
et: What is it that you consider special in the art of comics?
There are many ways to create comics as they lie somewhere between literature, graphic design, and film. Some artists make more poetic work while others create entertainment comics. Some create scientific or philosophical experiments too.
I myself try to tell stories and maybe operate as a filmmaker but without the organization required in a film. For example I don’t need to pay camera-men, actors, and costume designers as I can do all of this myself. When I want to make a scene setting in winter, I don’t need to wait for the snow or create fake snow in the studio. I just draw it!
Caricature drawing by Mawil (Photo courtesy of Mawil)
et: Tell me a bit about your upcoming projects.
M: My upcoming project will be a comic for children, something about clichés of gender and how books for boys and girls are made. I will make fun of it to let the audience think about the topic. I am currently in the process of creating my book.
Caricature drawing by Mawil (Photo courtesy of Mawil)
The ambitious German artist has published many works locally and abroad through magazines and newspapers. He managed to record daily life in Berlin and is a lecturer at the Goethe Institute.
Hosting many exhibitions, Mawil is also an author of many comic books such as “Beach Safari” (2002) that tackles a strange phenomenon on an isolated island and which also won the Comic Prize in 2003.
Caricature drawing by Mawil (Photo courtesy of Mawil)
Other books by Mawil include “We Can Remain Friends” (2003), “The Band” (2004), “The Big Supa – Hasi Album” (2005), “Master Lamp” (2006), “Action Sorgenkind” (2007), “Kinderland” (2015) and “The Singles Collection” (2015).
Caricature drawing by Mawil (Photo courtesy of Mawil)
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