Karbala honors late caricature artist Salman Abd with memorial exhibit

KARBALA — Writers and journalists gathered in Karbala on Monday to commemorate the late caricature artist Salman Abd, known locally as “Sheikh Al-Makareed,” through an art exhibit hosted by the Association of Fine Artists. The event, held at the association’s gallery in the Al-Mualimeen neighborhood, showcased a collection of Abd’s work, celebrating his lasting impact on social and political caricature art in Iraq. Abd’s family expressed gratitude for the tribute and the recognition of his artistic legacy.

Salman Abd, who passed away at the age of 79 three months ago after a battle with illness, had a prolific career with his caricatures featured in many Iraqi newspapers and magazines. Known for drawing inspiration from everyday life in Iraq, Abd used dark humor to highlight social issues.

“As part of the association’s activities in Karbala, we held a memorial exhibition for the late artist Salman Abd,” Essam Abd Al-Ilah, a member of the Association of Fine Artists, told 964media. “He had complete mastery over his brush, ideas, and colors, and this exhibit was a way to honor him.”

Ihsan Salman Abd, the artist’s son, expressed appreciation for the recognition of his father’s extensive contributions to art. “We are grateful for this tribute to his rich artistic history. Through this memorial, we felt the love of the people, as if my father was still present among us with his drawings and art,” he said.

“He left behind a significant legacy, and future generations will continue to remember his work,” Ihsan added.

Author Jasim Asi reflected on Abd’s influence, noting his deep cultural and political background. “We deeply miss the late Salman Abd. Each of his works captured intricate details, not only through his use of colors but also in his primary aim of social and political critique,” Asi told 964media. “We lost an irreplaceable talent because Iraqi caricature artists are few, and each one has a distinct identity.”

The tradition of using cartoons to convey political and social messages indirectly is popular worldwide, and caricature art in Iraq dates back to 1931 with the launch of the satirical newspaper Habbazbooz, which marked the beginning of the country’s satirical journalism.