The eighth edition of the International Caricature Forum is set to conclude tomorrow at the Mahmoud Mukhtar Cultural Center in Cairo, celebrating the life and legacy of the late Egyptian comedy icon, Samir Ghanem.
Organized by the Cultural Relations Sector, the Fine Arts Sector, and the Egyptian Caricature Association, with sponsorship from the Misr El-Kheir Foundation, the event has attracted significant attention from both local and international artists.
The forum, which was inaugurated by Egypt's Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Hano, has brought together a diverse group of artists and cultural figures, including Dr. Walid Qanoush, Head of the Fine Arts Sector; Mostafa El Sheikh, President of the Egyptian Caricature Association; Magdalena Kroth, Cultural Attaché of the Spanish Embassy in Cairo; and Hossam Ghanem, brother of the late comedian.
The event also saw the participation of prominent artists such as Fawzi Morsi, the forum's general commissioner, Amir Tadros, Head of the Cultural Relations Sector, and Sherif Gad, Director of Cultural Activities at the Russian Cultural Center.
Minister Hano praised caricature as a powerful medium of expression and lauded the forum for its role in fostering cultural dialogue and the exchange of creative experiences among artists worldwide.
He also expressed his appreciation for the forum's choice to honor Samir Ghanem, recognizing his immense contributions to comedy in both Egypt and the Arab world.
Fawzi Morsi, the forum’s general commissioner, highlighted Ghanem’s enduring impact on comedy over more than half a century, noting how he brought joy to millions with his unique style. Morsi reflected on Ghanem’s beginnings with El Deif Ahmed and George Sidhom in the comedy trio “Tholathy Adwa'a El Masrah,” which became a cornerstone of Egyptian comedic history.
As a tribute to Ghanem's legacy, the forum features over 150 caricature portraits from artists around the globe. These works celebrate his life and capture his spirit in a medium known for its symbolic and socially reflective nature.
Sherif Gad emphasized the significance of the Russian participation in this year’s forum, highlighting the deep connections between Egyptian and Russian artists.
He acknowledged the contributions of Russian artists such as Zakir Sagitov, Mikhail Chernishev, Pavel Markovich, Yuri Kosarev, Nikolai Chernishev, and Alexander Schmidt, who beautifully depicted Ghanem’s essence through caricature.
Gad noted that caricature, as an art form, has always been adept at expressing social issues and the character of the Egyptian people, who are known for their humor even in difficult times.
Gad also extended his gratitude to the Egyptian Caricature Association for their efforts in building artistic bridges with cartoonists worldwide, further enriching the cultural landscape of Egypt.
Contributed by Israa Farhan
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