By: Nour El-Hoda Fouad, Salma Yassin
CAIRO, Mar. 31 (SEE)-Egyptian Caricature Association celebrated the Late Armenian-Egyptian caricaturist Alexander Saroukhan’s 120th birthday.
Saroukhan was the father of Egyptian caricature art, especially the political one.
The celebration was attended by the late caricaturist’s grandsons who are living in Egypt beside the Cuban Ambassador Tania Fernandez and Ambassador of Armenia Karen Caricorian.
Furthermore, the Artist Jomaa Farhat, president of the Egyptian Caricature Association and the 15-years–old Armenian Rita Kefrokian, who is considered the youngest caricaturist in Egypt, were among attendees.
An international competition was held for this occasion with the engagement of 45 countries and 180 artists who presented about 250 portraits for Saroukhan.
The Cuban Yomanis del Toro was the first winner and was awarded by 250 USD as Saroukhan’s gift.
The competiton was directed by the Artist Fawzi Morsi, member of the Egyptian Association and the 5 members of the arbitration committee were from 4 different countries.
On his part, the Artist Mohamed Abla, founder of Caricature Museum in Fayoum, said that Saroukhan was not only a good caricaturist but he also invented many Egyptian personalities like “Al-Masri Effendi”.
It’s worth mentioning that Saroukhan’s gallery located in Tahrir square is currently displaying the winning piece of art as well as 5 other winning pieces with honorary awards, till 4th of April.
It’s remarkable that Saroukhan was born in 1898 and worked at many Egyptian magazines and newspapers like “Al Musawar” newspaper and “Rose Al Yousuf” magazine.
He issued La Caravan French magazine and 4 other books and “This is the war” was the most popular one.
In 2006, one of the streets at New Nozha area in Egypt was called by his name.
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