The Press Club hall here witnessed the beginning of a rare exhibition of art and sport on Saturday. The exhibition of caricatures of football icons has brought yet another novelty to the ongoing FIFA World Cup fever.
When cartoonists and caricaturists from across the State gathered at the Press Club Hall on Saturday evening and drew sketches of football icons from the current and past generations, the football lovers here responded to the occasion showing exceptional warmth.
Among the football lovers who dropped in to congratulate the artists were young Muslim leaders Syed Munawwarali Shihab Thangal, Syed Basheerali Shihab Thangal, and Syed Abid Husain Thangal, MLA. “We too were excited when we saw such a warm reception here,” said Ibrahim Badusha, cartoonist from Aluva, who is curating the show.
Three dozen cartoonists and caricaturists from across the State reached here with some of their best works on football legends. “One of the most interesting things of this show is that we have caricatures of not only the present-day legends, but of the past generations as well,” said Badusha.
When artists such as Usman Irumbuzhi and Hasan Kottapuram limned the sketches of legends such as Pele and Maradona, cartoonists like Prince and Nawas gave life to contemporary icons such as Ronaldo, Messi, and Neymer.
Caricaturist Basheer Kizhisseri inaugurated the show by drawing a sketch of Pune Football Club player Ashique Kuruniyan, who was the chief guest at the function. “Being in Malappuram at the time of the World Cup football is an experience. I was thrilled to see a woman dropping in to see our works with much curiosity,” said Badusha.
Basheer and Badusha drew footballers from their favourite 90s. Zinadine Zidane was their favourite. The artists were keen to pick footballers with strong features for caricature. Apart from Zidane, footballers like Carlos Valderrama and Ruud Gullit were also featured.
The idea of holding such a rare exhibition at Malappuram was mooted by a WhatsApp group by the members of the Cartoon Club of Kerala a couple of weeks ago. Soon they got the best cartoonists and caricaturists of Kerala to draw the sketches of 100-odd footballers.
“The show has lifted the effervescent spirit of World Cup in Malappuram,” said Press Club secretary Suresh Edappal. The show will continue until the World Cup final. “We expect more crowds in the coming days,” said Mr. Edappal.