No Laughing Matter

These comics were created during workshops organised by World Comics,an NGO which is a collective of activists,cartoonists,development journalists and students,who use comics as a communication tool. One work,by England-based comic artist Janet Adams titled,Safe Refuge,begins with a panel that states that “the UK takes in two per cent of the world’s refugees” and then depicts the effect on the job market before a final panel announces: “Refugee murdered in racist attack.” In Jammed for Life from Pakistan,artist Sibra Rizvi shows how a four-hour-long traffic jam can be disastrous for a new bride.

The creators of these comics are not professional artists but Sharad Kumar,founder of the organisation,explains how “this exhibition is the voice of the common people”. “The objective of these comics is to communicate a message and should not be taken as a medium for exhibiting drawing skills. When a silent majority,neglected by the mainstream media,finds a tool of expression,they tell their stories with vigour,” he adds.

The messages seem to have hit home. Pooja,a Delhi University student,says,“I didn’t know that in Brazil they face a problem of overcrowded metros,and that watching movies during Ramzaan is frowned upon in Pakistan,”

The comics and wall-posters are developed on A4-sized papers in black-and-white format,and will be pasted in locations like village bus stops,shops,offices,schools and on noticeboards,informs Kumar.

The exhibition is being held at IIC till June 17