Political cartoons from Bengal (1950-70) reflect the socio-political milieu of the times

A new art exhibition -- Political Cartoons from Bengal 1950-70 -- at India International Centre's Annexe Art Gallery features digital prints of political cartoons that reflect on the socio-political milieu of the times. (Source: IIC)

In the period between 1950s-70s, cartoonists in Bengal expressed critical visual narratives with a deep sense of social and political awareness, notes the press statement. It also adds that the history of cartoons in Bengal started even before the 18th century. (Source: IIC)

An artwork from the exhibited series. (Source: IIC)

Despite the political turmoil, upheavals and differences of opinions, artists were free to work with cartoons, expressing their opinion through the visual language of drawings. (Source: IIC)

The conceptualisation and research has been done by Samit Das. According to him, The cartoon's imagery is the expression and realization of society and the political situation. Therefore, it needs a clear presentation. This expression brings smiley energy into the community, not for any depression or satire. The responsibility of cartoonists is to get a laughter situation in the society through cartoon even if the reality is sad. Generally, cartoons have local nuances of languages, and the essence never remains the same as it translates. So, one may need to know the regional and local politics. Caricatures may instrument to understanding the varied and unique cultures of India, he writes in the press statement (Source: IIC)

Some of the works are selection of cartoons by Sailo Narayan Chakraborty, Debiprasad Roy Choudhury, Kutty, Chandi Lahiri, Rebati Bushan and Amal Chakraborty. (Source: IIC)

Another cartoon from series. (Source: IIC)

The exhibition will be on till July 15, 2022 from 11 am to 7 pm. (Source: IIC)