Located in Jordan’s capital, Abdallat has dedicated years to leveraging art to ignite discussions on human rights, tolerance, and social change. Through his Free Pen initiative, he conducts workshops with young individuals, particularly in displacement-affected communities, aiding them in expressing their experiences and aspirations through art.
Partnering with UNESCO to combat hate speech, and winning the UNDP Social Entrepreneurship Summit Prize in 2021, Abdallat is committed to fostering youth participation in civic life.
UN News interviewed Abdallat about his journey into cartooning, art’s role in crises, and his belief that even a small drawing can inspire global dialogue.
UN News: What drew you to caricature initially, and what does it signify for you?
Omar Abdallat: I began drawing as a child, imitating TV and comic book characters, but discovered its potential at university. I started with sketches of my teachers, then shared them on Arab cartoonist platforms. Receiving feedback and reactions was enriching. Eventually, it became my career and a lifestyle. Cartoons engage me with my surroundings and society. I often say drawing is like my religion because it enhances me as a human.
UN News: When did you realize your cartoons could influence people beyond your community?
Omar Abdallat: Through self-study and learning from other artists, I grasped the value of simplicity. I aim to depict complex issues as if explaining them to children. Sharing my work on Facebook revealed its universal reach, as people worldwide responded, affirming that cartoons are a universally understood language.
UN Info: Describe one of your notable works.
Omar Abdallat: A recent piece draws inspiration from classic paintings of global leaders. The scene portrays a wolf as a ruler, celebrating its dominance over sheep, with one sheep enamored by its charisma. In places lacking power transition, the notion of homeland distorts, turning leadership into domination and loyalty into blind obedience.
UN News: Your activism, through both your caricatures and initiatives, is evident. Where do you find the most meaningful work settings?
Omar Abdallat: Working with children and youths facing challenges is particularly rewarding. We don’t just draw; we empower them through cartoons, helping them regain belief in their stories. It provides a safe space to express, draw, and build confidence. I begin by sharing cartoon history and basics before discussing deeper issues like rights, the environment, and their visions of the future. My dream is to create a global movement, bringing cartoons to every child in need, particularly in challenging areas like Gaza.
UN News: Do their perspectives ever surprise you?
Omar Abdallat: Many children are exceptionally talented. Their cartoons offer insights into their culture, background, and sometimes struggles. They address issues like racism, poverty, and hate speech. In return, I strive to enhance their understanding of these subjects.
UN News: Do you see cartoons as a form of healing?
Omar Abdallat: Cartoons are a lifestyle, akin to the air we breathe, framing our understanding of the world. Following the Charlie Hebdo tragedy a decade ago, I envisioned a humanitarian version of its spirit—a unifying rather than divisive platform. This idea evolved into what I am developing now: a “Cartoon Lab”—a network of academies for safe artistic expression.
UN News: Have you faced challenges or resistance in addressing sensitive topics through caricatures?
Omar Abdallat: Challenge is part of my identity! Initially hidden, I now embrace it. Challenges stem from the Middle Eastern context and technological aspects. It’s generally challenging to be a designer here, with concerns for one’s and one’s family’s safety.
UN News: How do you maintain your hope?
Omar Abdallat: My late father, a doctor, taught me to never give up on a patient fighting for life. Our duty is to help others improve. I want those seeing my work to be true to themselves, contribute their best to humanity, set aside differences, and believe in shared humanity. The sun always rises after night, and spring follows winter. It’s nature’s cycle. You just need patience to witness it.
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