CHENNAI: Three hundred and seventy five cartoons on Madras’ 375th birthday. What could be a better way to celebrate the day than having a hearty laugh at the city’s populace and the city itself? Chennai-based cartoonist Biswajit Balasubramanian’s collection of cartoons titled MADras, showcased at Forum Art Gallery, will make one chortle to one’s heart’s content.
The first floor of the gallery, where his works are on display, is bustling with laughs and giggles.
On the left side are cartoons that date back to 2002 and on the right side are his present day works. On the central wall are cartoons that highlight common issues affecting the city, covering a plethora of issues ranging from the recent dhoti controversy to water issues, muddled roads and the ever-continuing pollution woes. Not only do they deal with the ‘drama of life’ and burning concerns of people, but also give a message to society in a comical way.
There’s no superficial humour, no frivolity of any type. You would have jumped a fence and crossed the road at times, or one of those who would’ve ordered a South Indian food at an Italian restaurant. But have you ever had a laugh about it? Most probably not.
Take a look at Biswajit’s portrayal of such instances, and you’re sure to look at things in a different and lighter way. His cartoons make us look at things that we may have never observed in such a fast-paced life.His collection gives one a glimpse of erstwhile Madras and the present day Chennai.
They slowly but surely take one through the spaces of time and divulge the transition the city has gone through – all the way from Madras to Chennai. His very recent work is a sculpture that portrays a modern avatar of a Chennaiite.
The exhibition is on till September 20.