Cartoon is a unique form of art that blends visual storytelling with creativity, humour, and keen observation. At the Ka Corner venue of the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters, cartoons are taking on an interactive dimension through the Cartoon Lab -- a space where you can engage with cartoonists and actively participate in the drawing process. Together, you help shape narratives that reflect the theme of the event, Currents of Change, and co-create cartoons that leave a lasting impact on everyone who sees them.
A cartoon is born when an artist views something from an unconventional angle, adding humour and thoughtfulness to simple lines, making it both meaningful and impactful. Cartoonists at Ka Corner describe the Cartoon Lab as a space akin to a scientific laboratory, where different elements come together to form something new and extraordinary. The innovative and quirky ideas shared by audiences in direct interaction with cartoonists give rise to fresh and exciting cartoon concepts, making Cartoon Lab a truly unique experience.
'Election cartoons get the best audience response'
Veteran cartoon artist Unnikrishnan K compares cartooning to making a good curry, where different ingredients blend together to create an irresistible taste and aroma. His ideas stem from everyday observations, often running as an undercurrent in his mind. Passionate about cartoons, he has pursued his art alongside his journalism career at Mathrubhumi.
The tight deadlines in journalism have sharpened his ability to generate ideas quickly, a skill that greatly benefits his work in cartoons. He believes a cartoonist needs personal space -- much like meditation for ideation. However, at the Cartoon Lab, the real-time exchange of ideas with people and instant sketches make for a memorable experience.
Unnikrishnan was awarded the Best Cartoonist Award by the Kerala state government in 2017 and 2021. One of his most acclaimed works, 'Kannirukki Kalam', was exhibited in Trivandrum, depicting Kerala's transformation over 60 years in terms of thoughts, conversations, fashion, language, finance, and more.
'Coming first in Kalolsavam sparked my love for cartoons'
For cartoonist Anoop Radhakrishnan, Cartoon Lab is an experimental space. He notes that modern-day troll culture, closely linked to cartoons, sometimes lacks strong artistic elements. A cartoonist can transform these raw ideas into compelling visual stories.
His cartoon journey began when he won the first prize in the Kerala State School Kalolsavam cartoon drawing competition. Encouraged by friends and teachers who recognized his potential, he pursued his dream with determination.
Cartooning enhances his intellectual abilities, keeping his mind active 24/7 as he constantly seeks better ideas. Making others laugh through content is a huge responsibility, and he takes on this challenge with dedication. In 2021, he received the best cartoonist award from the Kerala Lalithakala Academy, a recognition that sparked controversy due to his sharp political critiques, particularly of Hindutva politics.
'The turning point in my career'
For KVM Unni, Cartoon Lab is a fusion of ideas and talent. A seasoned journalist with over 30 years of experience at Mathrubhumi, his talent for cartoons was evident from childhood, where each of his drawings naturally took the form of cartoons. He began his career as a layout artist at Mathrubhumi, a role that helped him explore his skills further. Social media played a significant role in shaping his cartooning career, bringing his work to a wider audience. His cartoon 'Nikesh Kelkamo' went viral across social media following the 2016 elections, cementing his reputation as a sharp political cartoonist.
Unni believes that the digitalization of art has made cartooning more accessible, allowing artists to create from anywhere, at any time. He emphasizes that a cartoonist must be a keen observer -- studying facial expressions, attributes, and styles to achieve perfection. Earlier, artists maintained physical albums of famous personalities for reference, whereas today, Google images provide instant access to visual material.
"A cartoonist stands alone. Whether the response is positive or negative, it all comes back to him," he reflects.
He was awarded the Best Cartoonist Award by the Kerala state government in 2016 and also received the 2025 Kerala School Kalolsavam Media Award.
The open doors of Cartoon Lab welcome fresh, innovative ideas, transforming them into thoughtful yet comical visual stories. This one-of-a-kind experience, led by exceptional artists, awaits you at MBIFL 2025!
Published: 08 Feb 2025, 03:52 pm IST
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