Y&I desk

Arafat Karim is a talented young artist who is currently doing his MFA (Masters in Fine Arts) at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University. At such a young age, the artist has already won many awards and has also participated in numerous group art exhibitions. He started his cartoon career after winning the TIB Anti-Corruption Cartoon Exhibition 2009. Since then he is working in the popular satire magazine UNMAD. Last year he got second prize in TIB’s cartoon exhibition against corruption .Y&I recently caught up with him for an interview.

How did you embark your journey in the field of cartoon?

My childhood dream was to get into Charukola as drawing and painting has always been a passion for me. But the breakthrough events, that started my cartoon career was winning the TIB Anti-Corruption Cartoon Exhibition 2009. Since then, I have joined UNMAD, the foremost satire magazine of Bangladesh; and have also become a member of Bangladesh Cartoonist Association (BANCARAS).

Do you do any other kind of creative drawings besides cartoon?

Since I am a student of Fine Arts, it is mandatory for me to do oil paintings, drawings, watercolor etc. In addition, I am concentrating on cartoon and digital artworks in my spare time.

Do you prefer to draw by hand, or use computer generated images?

I usually draw by hand, although sometimes I do digital works. The comics are usually coloured digitally.

Would you name some of the exhibitions in which you have participated?

My creations have appeared in the TIB Anti-Corruption Cartoon Exhibition at the Zainul Gallery for three times. In 2012, I participated in the Unmad Cartoon Exhibition held at the Drik Gallery. My caricatures were also exhibited in the 5-day long Bangladesh Cartoon Fest 2012, organised by BANCARAS. In 2014, I participated in Young Artists’ Exhibition at held at National Art Gallery, Shilpakala Academy. Now I am planning to do a solo exhibition.

Please share with us your remarkable achievements so far.

In 2003, I won 1st prize, beating the contestants of 15 countries, in a drawing contest on world peace, organized by the Impress Foundation. I won 3rd prize in the Jatiyo Shishu Puroshkar Protijogita-2006 for pottery. I’ve attained 1st prize in TIB Anti-Corruption Cartoon Exhibition in 2009, 2010 & 2012; also secured the 2nd prize in the 2011 edition. Recently, an action comic created by me; called Denoyed: 32 came out. It’s one of the 4 comics published by Dhaka Comics, which is a collective launched by a bunch of my fellow young artists to accelerate the comics industry in Bangladesh.

What do you think about the state of cartoon in Bangladesh?

 In my opinion, the future of cartoon and comics is very bright in our country. In last 5 years, the interests for these have grown exponentially, as evidenced by the staggering amount of people at various cartoon exhibitions. Many young artists are also joining the fray. The endeavor undertaken by Dhaka comics to promote the newer generation of artists will surely benefit the fledging comics industry in the long run.

What are your plans regarding your career?

I enjoy illustrating children’s books and comics, and occasionally contribute to various fun supplements of national dailies like Rosh Alo. I wish to continue my burgeoning efforts in the world of comics, and hope to make a lasting mark in the comic industry.

Who are your inspirations?

Among the renowned artists I am fond of Ahsan Habib and Shishir Bhattacharjee . Cartoonist Mehedi Haque’s work also enthralls me.