‘Kamal al-Fann’, a caricatured call to resistance by Yemeni artist
A solo exhibition titled ‘Kamal al-Fann,’ featuring 120 pieces by Yemeni artist Kamal Sharaf, was inaugurated at the Aali Gallery of the Art Bureau in Tehran on January 8, 2025.
The opening ceremony was attended by Sharaf, who is currently in Iran, as well as numerous artists and families of martyrs, with the event focusing on the theme of resistance.
Among the prominent attendees were Iranian graphic designers and caricaturists, including Masoud Shojai Tabatabai, the editor-in-chief of Iran Cartoon website, Masoud Nejabati, and Maziar Bijani, alongside Russian artists Alexandra and Alexander Faldin. The event also honored the family of martyr Mostafa Mohammad Mirzaei, the only Iranian martyr buried in Yemen.
Prior to the exhibition opening, a ceremony honoring Kamal Sharaf was held at the Mehr Hall of the Art Bureau, attended by notable figures such as Masoud Nejabati and Ali Hayati, as well as the mother of martyr Mostafa Mohammad Mirzaei.
Masoud Shojai Tabatabai, in his remarks at the ceremony, expressed pride in hosting Sharaf and the Faldin artists, stating, “The works of Kamal Sharaf represent a positive contribution to the resistance front.”
He emphasized that while Sharaf’s art may appear simple, it is technically sophisticated and distinctive. “This artist has a special focus on resistance and has not been able to overlook the events in Gaza and Lebanon,” he added, noting that Sharaf’s work serves as a testament to the struggle of the Palestinian people.
Abdulrahman Rajeh, President of the Yemeni Solidarity Association in Iran, also addressed the gathering. He expressed gratitude to the organizers of the event and acknowledged Iran for its support of Yemeni resistance. “Mr. Sharaf is one of the few Yemenis who has engaged in resistance caricature,” he noted, highlighting Sharaf’s recognition from senior Houthi leaders.
Marzieh Hashemi, Secretary of the 15th Ammar Popular Film Festival, emphasized the importance of artistic expression in conveying the realities of Palestine and resistance, stating, “Every artist, especially in resistance countries, has a duty to address these realities.”
Following the ceremony, Kamal Sharaf shared his mixed emotions, stating, “I promise the mother of martyr Mohammad Mirzaei that I will visit his grave.” He expressed both joy in participating in the event and sorrow from a video shown during the ceremony. “The world not only watches the crimes of the last 15 months but also assists the criminals in their actions,” he remarked.
Sharaf elaborated on his perspective on caricature as a form of resistance, declaring, “I have viewed my work in caricature as a jihadist endeavor. I see myself as a soldier fighting against the enemy.” He referenced Imam Khomeini’s assertion that “America is the great Satan,” affirming his commitment to using caricature as a tool for resistance. “Caricature is a language understood by all artists globally, regardless of the language they speak,” he concluded.
The exhibition ‘Kamal al-Fann’ is now open to the public at the Aali Gallery of the Art Bureau, showcasing the impactful works of the Yemeni artist.