Скачать или смотреть Martin Rowson - Cartoonist and Graphic Novelist

Martin Rowson, political cartoonist, recounts their journey into the field, starting with an early fascination with historical cartoons, particularly those of James Gillray. Inspired by satire and politics, they pursued cartooning despite societal expectations that art was not a serious career.

He emphasises that political cartooning is more journalism than art, with the goal of mocking power rather than adhering to strict ideological principles. The creative process involves reacting quickly to news, often drawing on subconscious associations. While perceived as left-wing, Martin rejects political loyalty, believing that humour’s role is to expose absurdity in leadership rather than to praise our political elites.

With a look at his way of seeing the world, blocks of colour rather than out lines, he delves into how he creates. Satire, including cartoons, is a vital, age-old tool for coping with existential fears and maintaining sanity. Despite occasional backlash and threats, they see political cartoons as an essential part of democratic discourse, giving people relief through laughter, rather than driving real political change.

Martin's favourite cartoon remains his 1997 satire of Tony Blair as the Andrex puppy, encapsulating the essence of good satire: a strong visual, toilet humour, an animal, a sharp pun, and a touch of irreverence.