14th International Cartoon Exhibition Depicts Importance of Music in Peoples’ Life

Sixty-one cartoons from different countries of the world were displayed recently within the 14th International Cartoon Exhibition- Syria 2018, which was opened on March 12 under the title “Music is Life” at the Opera House of the Al-Assad House for Culture and Arts in Damascus.

The cartoons were selected out of 1200 works by 400 artists from 72 countries.

A short documentary was screened on the sidelines of the exhibition showing the importance of music in the live of peoples and its development throughout ages. The film was directed and written by Syrian cartoonist Raed Khalil, Director the 14th International Cartoon Contest SYRIA 2018 which was also held on the sidelines of the exhibition.

  The names of winners were announced at the exhibition. The first prize went to cartoonist Arash Frogi from Iran, the second prize was awarded to Vladimir Semerenko from Russia and the third one was awarded  to Mowaffak Farzat from Kuwait. In addition, nine special prizes were awarded to artist Murhaf Yousef from Syria and to other artists from Peru, Bahrain, Greece ,China, Russia, Iran, Italy and Bulgaria.

Director of the competition Raed Khalil said the aim of this event, which will continue until March 21, is to attract cartoonists from all over the world to take part in the exhibition and contribute to the enhancement of the art of caricature.

Khalil added that each year there is a new theme and “music was chosen as the topic of this year’s exhibition because of its importance in the life of all peoples.” He noted the importance of disseminating music through all means especially through cartoons.

The Syrian International Caricature Exhibition was launched in 2005 with the participation of 48 countries. Since then, it has witnessed an annual increase in the number of participants from around the world.

Nada Haj Khidr