🇵🇱 Czy można wykładać skomplikowane finanse na uniwersytecie, a po godzinach celnie punktować rzeczywistość za pomocą piórka? Hader Yehia, egipska profesor i wybitna karykaturzystka, udowadnia, że te dwa światy napędzają się wzajemnie. W ekskluzywnej rozmowie dla World Caricature Institute, autorka opowiada o swojej artystycznej drodze – od dziecięcych szkiców Charliego Chaplina, przez debiut w gazecie Veto, aż po prestiżowe występy w Nile News. Poznajcie kobietę, która wierzy, że uśmiech to uniwersalna waluta, a „dusza” karykatury pozostaje nieosiągalna dla algorytmów AI. To inspirująca podróż do serca egipskiego humoru, gdzie akademicka precyzja spotyka się z bezlitosną satyrą.
🇬🇧 Dr Hader Yehia – Szczepan Sadurski’s exclusive interview with the Egyptian university professor and cartoonist
1) Do you remember your first drawing, first publication, or exhibition? How did your artistic career begin? What was the impulse that made you start creating funny drawings?
My artistic journey began in early childhood; I still remember my first sketch of Charlie Chaplin in 5th grade, when I first started curating my work. My professional career officially launched in 2012 after graduating from the Faculty of Commerce, starting as a cartoonist for Veto newspaper. My work there spanned political, satirical, and expressive arts, with my first published piece being a depiction of religious ascetics. Since then, I have contributed to various publications and became an author and illustrator of humorous children’s series like Ze’erda & Ze’erd and Gharbawi Around the World. My first exhibition was in 2013 at Sakia El Sawy with the Egyptian Caricature Association. The spark for my satirical style actually came from my school days, when I used to transform complex educational materials into comics and jokes to make studying more enjoyable and easier to understand.
2) How do you create your drawings? Do you prefer to draw like the old masters – on paper, or do you prefer digital technology and tablets?
I use a diverse range of tools in my creative process. I still enjoy drawing on paper using various traditional mediums such as oil paints, watercolors, wax crayons, pencils, and charcoal. At the same time, I fully embrace digital technology, and drawing on my tablet is currently the most frequent method I use for my professional projects.
3) Is there a topic that you would never dare to draw? Does humor and satire have limits? Is it true that we should not laugh at everything?
While humor is a powerful tool for expression, I believe it must be guided by ethics. There are certainly boundaries; for instance, I would never use my art for bullying or to mock individuals, as satire should enlighten, not hurt. Furthermore, I believe that religious beliefs and sacred symbols should be respected and are not subjects for mockery. In my view, while we can find humor in many aspects of life, we should not laugh at everything—especially when it crosses the line into disrespect or causes harm to others’ dignity.
4) Which of your successes so far do you consider the greatest and why?
I believe that every milestone I’ve reached is a great success and a blessing. My achievements are uniquely diverse; balancing my career as a University Professor in the field of accounting with my life as a professional cartoonist and author is something I take immense pride in. Although these two fields may seem unrelated, they serve as constant sources of inspiration and energy for one another.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my success is being frequently hosted on television programs to discuss the art of caricature. A highlight for me was my appearances on the program Siasatire on Nile News Channel. What made this experience truly special wasn’t just talking about my own work, but having the platform to showcase and analyze the drawings of my fellow artists from around the world. Being able to support my colleagues and share their talent with a wider audience brings me the greatest joy; seeing their happiness is, to me, the ultimate success.
5) Do you think that AI (Artificial Intelligence) will replace cartoonists in the future?
In my view, Artificial Intelligence has become an integral part of all fields, not just art. I believe that those who do not keep pace with technology and learn how to utilize it effectively will eventually find themselves being replaced or sidelined by it. Technology should be a tool that serves the artist, not a substitute for their unique human vision. As for humor and satire in my country, it remains a deeply rooted form of expression, and while AI can assist in the technical process, the 'soul’ of a caricature—the cultural nuance and the sharp wit—is something only a human creator can truly master.
Humor and satire in Egypt
6) In your country, is caricature treated as an innocent joke or rather as a political provocation? Have cartoonists ever had legal problems there?
In my country, caricature is deeply respected as a sophisticated form of art that mirrors society. It is far more than just an 'innocent joke’; it is a powerful medium for social commentary and raising awareness. Historically, Egyptian caricature has always been a blend of sharp wit and cultural insight, often serving as a lighthearted way to discuss daily life and societal challenges. Regarding legalities, like any form of influential public expression, it is governed by professional ethics and media laws. For me, the true power of a cartoonist lies in their ability to use satire responsibly—to enlighten, to critique constructively, and to bring a smile to people’s faces while maintaining a professional and ethical balance.
7) Where do people in your country look for humor? Are there satirical TV shows, cabarets, or stand-up artists? Are there humor portals (jokes and drawings) or satirical magazines? Is there a museum of caricature or other places that make people smile? Is there an official organization for cartoonists?
Egypt is a country that truly breathes humor; it is deeply embedded in our daily lives and culture. Egyptians have a legendary sense of wit, finding humor in almost every situation, which makes the art of caricature and satire highly celebrated here. We have a vibrant landscape for this art form, including numerous television programs dedicated to caricature and the arts, where the works of both local and international artists are showcased. Furthermore, Egypt is home to a specialized Caricature Museum, which stands as a testament to our rich heritage in this field. We also have the Egyptian Caricature Association, an official organization that supports and unites cartoonists. Our calendar is filled with artistic events and international festivals where cartoonists from all over the world participate alongside Egyptian artists, creating a wonderful global exchange of humor and creativity that truly makes people smile.
Good Humor Party and World Caricature Institute
8) What do you think about the idea of the international organization Good Humor Party (GHP), which has existed for 25 years? The „membership fee” is just 3 smiles a day. Is the idea of making the world better and more peaceful through laughter close to your heart? Did you know that GHP has 5,000 members worldwide and ambassadors in many countries?
I find the concept of the Good Humor Party (GHP) truly inspiring and deeply aligned with my own artistic mission. As a cartoonist and author, my goal has always been to simplify life and bring joy through satire and humor. The idea that a 'membership fee’ is simply three smiles a day is a beautiful reminder of the power of positivity. I believe that laughter is a universal language that can bridge gaps and promote peace, making the world a kinder place. Knowing that there are 5,000 members and ambassadors worldwide dedicated to this cause is heartening; it confirms that the pursuit of happiness is a global endeavor that I am proud to be a part of through my drawings.
9) What do you think about the symbol of GHP – the Happy Skyscraper (HS)? Since 2012, it has been photographed in 700 cities around the world. Would you like to join this international fun and take a photo of the HS in some famous public places in your city?
The 'Happy Skyscraper’ is a brilliant and whimsical symbol of global unity through art. I love the idea of such a simple, joyful figure traveling across 700 cities. As an artist in Egypt—a country filled with iconic landmarks and a profound history—I find this initiative very appealing. It would be a wonderful creative challenge to photograph the 'Happy Skyscraper’ in some of our famous public places, blending our ancient heritage with this modern symbol of happiness. It’s a perfect way to show that no matter where we are, a smile remains our common language.
10) How do you evaluate the idea of the World Caricature Institute (WCI)? In your opinion, what should the global elite of drawn humor do together?
I believe the World Caricature Institute (WCI) is a vital and visionary initiative. As both a University Professor and a cartoonist, I see it as a golden opportunity to bridge the gap between academic research and creative practice on a global scale. In my opinion, the global elite of drawn humor should focus on three main pillars together:
1. Preservation and Education: To document the history of caricature across different cultures and pass these techniques to the next generation through workshops and digital platforms.
2. Cross-Cultural Dialogue: To organize international exhibitions that address universal human issues, proving that a simple drawing can promote peace and understanding better than words.
3. Innovation and Ethics: To lead the conversation on how to integrate AI into our art responsibly, ensuring that technology enhances our creativity without losing the 'human soul’ and ethical boundaries of satire.
A global institution like WCI can transform caricature from a daily newspaper feature into a permanent, respected academic and artistic discipline worldwide.
Interwiev: Szczepan Sadurski, Poland
Director of World Caricature Instituje
President of Good Humor Party
