BANGALORE: “Wordless caricature is a beautiful art which shows the subject through the prism of the emotions and thoughts of the artists mind,” said V Manohar, music director of the Kannada film industry, at the inauguration of an exhibition of cartoons of John Chandran. Earlier, V Manohar, who himself is a well known cartoonist, formally commenced the event by lighting the lamp.
He remarked, “John Chandran belongs to that league of cartoonists like Sri Phadnis — cartoonists who are famous for their wordless caricatures and cartoon strips in India and who excel in successfully conveying the message through their works.”
The theme of cartoon exhibition revolved around John Chandran’s favorite cartoon character — Nimmi and friends. Said John Chandran, “The characters, Nimmi and friends, are inspired from the legendary Amar Chithra Katha series. Creating a cartoon strip is most difficult and challenging. However, it gives me immense pleasure and fun to create and re-create it everyday.”
Litterateur Dr Na Damodar Shetty who was also present at the inauguration said, “It is a proud moment for me to preside over this exhibition particularly because John Chandran is my student. Cartoons should always have a space of their own in the daily newspapers. Cartoons help in instilling curiosity in the minds of the readers. They also help them to look at important matters in a light-hearted manner thus breaking the monotony of day to day life.”
V G Narendra, managing trustee of the Indian Institute of Cartoonists said, “John Chandran is one amongst the young and very talented cartoonists of this generation. I wish him all the very best and am sure he will make a name for himself in the world of cartoonists.”
About fifty selected cartoons and comic installations of John Chandran are on display at the exhibition. The exhibition will be on for public till February 22 at The Indian Cartoon Gallery, MG Road.
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