Caricatures challenge restrictions, depict suffering of Idlib citizens
Despite the risks of being a female caricaturist in Idlib, many young Syrian women have successfully entered the field to express the concerns and pain of Syrians and make their voices heard.
ALEPPO, Syria — Although the art of caricature has always been restricted to men considering it is an arduous path fraught with difficulties and dangers — especially in conservative societies that do not favor women working in this type of profession — a number of Syrian women in Idlib have bravely entered the field to convey to the world the image of daily life and express the concerns and hopes of the people in the last spot controlled by the Syrian opposition in northwestern Syria.
Nermin Shaar, a female caricaturist residing in Idlib, continues to publish her work in some local newspapers and on her personal Facebook page. Shaar aspires to excel and develop her skills and hopes to participate in art exhibitions and publish her drawings in major international newspapers.
She told Al-Monitor, “I started drawing at an early age, and I learned to draw murals and animation. Then I ventured into caricatures, which I loved. I developed my skill in this kind of art that is dear to my heart through lessons and training courses that I attended on YouTube and through my follow-up of the work of international and Arab artists in this field.”
Shaar added, “I loved the art of caricature because it touches on sensitive issues in society, tackles the world of politics, and expresses people's concerns, pain and daily suffering in a sarcastic way to draw attention. This art is dangerous and causes trouble, but it has a huge impact on reality.”
