Stories behind modern social cartoons: What Kazakh artists dare to draw
In the age of memes and clicks, social cartoons — a long-standing form of political and social commentary — have proven remarkably resilient, finding new life and a global audience online. Cartoonists are now stepping into the role of independent creators, utilizing the internet to establish personal brands and connect with new audiences.
This story highlights two contemporary Kazakh cartoonists whose work continues to resonate, underscoring the enduring relevance of the medium for audiences who are both thoughtful and engaged.
Humor connects where words fail
Renowned Kazakh cartoonist Galym Boranbayev recently received the silver award at the 64th International Cartoon Festival in Knokke-Heist, Belgium, one of the world’s most prestigious and longest-running cartoon competitions.
This latest edition of the festival continued to be a celebration of humor. Humor is a powerful tool — it breaks tension, builds connection and invites reflection. Cartoonists serve as the canaries in the coal mine, often the first to sense shifting boundaries around tolerance and free expression. Their work confronts difficult topics with intelligence, empathy and impeccable timing.
In an almost classical style, Boranbayev’s silver-awarded cartoon depicts three beavers gathered around a tree — one of them carrying a cocktail on a tray. The scene appears calm, but the tension is clear: viewers understand the tree could fall at any moment.
This year’s top prize went to Iranian cartoonist Sajad Rafeei, whose winning cartoon portrays the final scene of a theater performance, with the audience watching a gripping spectacle unfold.
Timeless and pressing topics
The subjects tackled by cartoonists range from timeless themes — like the value of education and enlightenment — to urgent modern issues, such as children’s growing addiction to smartphones.
The charming illustration below reflects on a popular Kazakh proverb: «A mother’s thoughts never leave her child, but a child’s dreams fly far away.» It adds a modern twist by incorporating a smartphone, now a stand-in for traditional outdoor play.
«The themes of my recent cartoons often focus on global issues such as social justice, the environment, war and peace, and freedom of speech,» Boranbayev said. «A cartoon isn’t just about making people laugh — it’s an art form that encourages society to think, conveying current issues with depth and meaning.»
Galym notes that not all of his cartoons are universally well-received. He often faces backlash on social media, particularly for works addressing religious themes and the events of January 2022 in Almaty, which have sparked heated debate.
Touching upon politics
Another prominent Kazakh cartoonist Murat Dilmanov, incidentally a university mate of Boranbayev, is known for his sharp and witty satirical style.
While the traditional newspaper platform has grown increasingly unstable, social media has greatly expanded the reach and influence of cartoonists. A single powerful cartoon can now bypass traditional gatekeepers and go viral within hours, sparking global conversations.
«Cartoons used to fit well in print media — like an illustration in a book,» Dilmanov noted. «Now, there are fast and affordable ways, including artificial intelligence, to express your visual ideas — as long as you have something to say.»
A few years ago, Murat stopped drawing cartoons on pressing social and political issues altogether.
«I was burnt out creatively. I don’t even remember what my last social cartoon was,» Dilmanov said. «But I still follow the situation in the country — just in a more detached way.»
Nevertheless, many of Dilmanov’s earlier works remain relevant and can be reinterpreted in today’s context, especially in light of ongoing political and economic reforms, and the ways decision-makers respond to breaking events.
Far from being rendered obsolete by the digital age, cartooning has been supercharged by it, proving its lasting power as a vital and often courageous form of social commentary.
