Emad Hajjaj is Jordan's most well known and respected cartoonist. I interviewed him and took the above photo for Nox magazine this month. He's a fascinating guy and a brilliant observer of politics and the world around us. His cartoons specialize in showing the other side of the coin, the side that the US and Europe often overlook. He is full of all those wonderful contradictions and complexities that make people interesting. He is staunchly pro-Palestine, though more and more doesn't trust either sides leadership or their motives. He's very critical of the US occupations in Iraq and Afghanistan, but loves the American people and our culture. He loves Jordan, but is quick to point out when they step out of line. I've included a few of his older cartoons here as I couldn't find any newer ones online. Emad told me during the interview that he was heavily influenced by the work of Gary Larson, creator of The Far Side. So in keeping with Larson's famous anonymity, I chose to shoot Emad with a caricature he drew of himself covering his face. Behind him are drawings made by his aspiring six year old son.
No comments:
Post a Comment