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| Wednesday, 11 August 2004 |
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Camillus cartoons in Kandy by Thilak Palliyaguruge
Alliance Francaise de Kandy is sponsoring an exhibition of selected cartoons of Camillus Perera at its new premises, No. 642, Peradeniya Road, Kandy from August 14 to 21. The exhibition will be opened by Prof. Kapila Goonasekere, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, on August 13 at 6.30 p.m. Satire, humour and wit were in existence in our society from time immemorial in the form of folklore, poetry, drama, theatre, literature, art, etc. Even our ancient kings have engaged the services of a Court Jester for the entertainment of the King, e.g. the famous Court Jester - Andare. There are many instances where our forefathers have tickled the community to provoke laughter through their chosen mediums.
Even to those who were not keen in leafing through the pages of the article of topical interests, the opportunity was readily offered to enjoy and laugh heartily at the funny and unusual drawings and caricatures with exaggerated noses, ears, pot-bellies and legs etc. Humour is primarily and essentially intended to rouse laughter. Aristotle called with as cultured insolence. It is said that humour is best when it stems from an honest obliquity of thought, free from malice, and cuts sharp and clean instead of hacking with a blunt instrument. David Low the famous British cartoonist excelled in this field with his very meaningful politically oriented cartoons and educated the public on the finer points of politics of the day. R. K. Laxman, the eminent cartoonist of India was popular even in Asia. Dennis the Menace, Blondie, Bringing up father, Micky Mouse are some of the most popular cartoons among the English reading public. Aubrey Collette, Mark Gerreyn, Wijesoma and S. C. Opatha are household names in this discipline. Seriousness Max Beerbohm says "Humour undiluted is the most depressing of all phenomenon. Humour must have its background of seriousness. Without this contrast there comes none of that incongruity which is the mainspring of laughter." A person with a good sense of humour is generally considered a better and a pleasant citizen, neighbour, and more compassionate family man than one who lacks sense of humour. Newspaper cartoons and columns devoted for humour are extremely popular among readers of all age groups. May be primarily due to the obvious fact that humour is essentially intended to rouse laughter. A cartoon packed with humour and satire which could bring about a notable impact on the reader is considered an essential feature of a daily newspaper. Camillus Perera, an unassuming simple man of varied interests hails from Negombo, and is the eldest son of a family of four members. He had his education at Roman Catholic Sinhala School, Maris Stella and St. Mary's College Negombo. His hidden talents in art surfaced while being a student in the lower classes, which he finally developed to be the vocation in life. He was also a good sportsman and led the Jupiter Football Association in Negombo. He spent his early years leafing through office files, and devoted the free hours to draw cartoons. Social environment His themes are drawn chiefly from the current political and social environment, and have ample reference to middle and lower middle classes of our society. Gajaman, Siribiris, Magodis, Sellam Sena, Thepanis, Don Sethang, Simona, Sweetee, Chutie, Meraya, Dekkoth Padmawathie, Lapaya, Goddin Ayya, Peto, Tikka, Mr. Lowris, were the devoted members of his cartoon family, whom he had brought up since 1966. You meet them often in the Observer, Janatha, Sarasaviya, Lankadipa, Ada, Irida, Sittara, Sathsiri and Sivdesa. From humble beginnings and through sheer commitment, dedication, and determination, he has emerged today as a leading newspaper cartoonist in our country. Politicians who vouch to be servants of the people often ride on their back. Visions The unfavourable and unpalatable situations prevailing in the country due to political atmosphere is mainly responsible to stimulate and inspire our cartoonist without deviating from his firm principles, ideals and visions which he has maintained right throughout his career. Camillus with his colourful career as a cartoonist spanning almost four decades conveys such messages to the readers through his medium in a fascinating manner quite boldly and fearlessly. Truth is sacred. A cartoonist should describe people and their affairs faithfully. Through fun and healthy laughter, a newspaper cartoonist safeguard and maintains the much sought after equilibrium of democracy and its sacred rights which are often misused by those who vouch to safeguard them. **** Back **** |
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England is considered the birthplace of satire, which reached its
pinnacle in the 17th century and later spread to European countries.
'Punch' the famous magazine devoted for humour and satire was greatly
responsible in popularizing the graphic humour and influencing the
contemporary professional cartoonist.
