Omar Abdallat, a prominent figure in Jordan’s capital, has long used his art to initiate discussions on human rights, tolerance, and social change. Through his Free Pen initiative, he conducts workshops for young individuals, especially those in communities impacted by displacement, encouraging them to convey their experiences and aspirations through drawing.
Abdallat has collaborated with UNESCO to combat hate speech and was awarded the UN Development Programme (UNDP) Social Entrepreneurship Summit Award in 2021, highlighting his commitment to promoting youth involvement in civic life.
UN News recently conversed with Abdallat about his journey in cartooning, the significance of art in crisis scenarios, and his belief that even the smallest drawing can ignite a global dialogue.
UN News: What initially attracted you to cartooning? And what does it signify for you?
Omar Abdallat: From a young age, I enjoyed sketching characters from TV shows and comic books, but it was during my university years that I discovered its potential. I began caricaturing my professors and then shared my cartoons online, receiving feedback that was immensely valuable. Cartooning evolved from my hobby to my profession and ultimately my lifestyle. It compels me to reflect on my surroundings and society, and I often liken it to a religion, as it has made me a better person.
UN News: When did you realize your cartoons resonated beyond your local community?
Omar Abdallat: My self-taught journey in cartooning taught me the power of simplicity, leading me to depict intricate issues with childlike clarity. As I began posting on Facebook, international audiences engaged with my work, revealing that cartoons serve as a universal language.
UN News: Can you describe a specific piece of your work?
Omar Abdallat: One of my recent works draws inspiration from classical portraits of global leaders, depicting a wolf as a ruler celebrating its dominance over the pen and the sheep, with a sheep admiring the wolf’s charm. This illustration critiques societies lacking true power transitions, where leadership equates to dominance and loyalty becomes blind obedience.
UN News: Your activism shines through your art and initiatives. Which settings do you find most impactful?
Omar Abdallat: Working with children and young people, particularly those facing adversities, is exceptionally rewarding. These workshops empower participants, allowing them to rediscover their narratives. By creating safe spaces to share and draw, they gain confidence. I begin with cartoon history and basics, eventually tackling important themes like rights and the environment. My vision is to expand this globally, reaching children in challenging areas like Gaza.
UN News: Have the perspectives from these workshops surprised you?
Omar Abdallat: The young participants often display remarkable talent, offering insights into their culture and issues such as racism and poverty. In response, I strive to enhance their understanding of these subjects.
UN News: Do you view cartoons as a form of healing?
Omar Abdallat: Cartoons, to me, represent a lifestyle and an essential lens through which we comprehend the world. Following the Charlie Hebdo tragedy a decade ago, I envisioned a unifying platform promoting humanitarian values. This led to the concept of a “Cartoon Lab,” a network of academies for safe artistic expression.
UN News: Have you encountered obstacles or resistance in your work?
Omar Abdallat: Challenges are part of my journey. In the Middle East, being a cartoonist often entails personal risks due to the socio-political climate and technological constraints.
UN News: How do you maintain hope?
Omar Abdallat: Inspired by my late father, a doctor who relentlessly aided his patients, I believe in striving to improve the lives of those around us. I wish my work encourages authenticity and shared humanity, urging people to transcend differences. Even amidst darkness, the sun rises, and every winter eventually turns to spring. One must persevere to witness it.
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