Bengaluru, 13 June(HS): Subhani, an acclaimed cartoonist of international repute, claimed here on Saturday that the immediacy and human sensitivity that make political cartooning a distinct and enduring form of expression are no match, apart from being beyond the reach of Artificial Intelligence.

Four decades of cartooning: He made these remarks in a written speech delivered after receiving the Barton Award 2026 for lifetime achievement for excellence in cartooning. It may be recalled here that Subhani has been into cartooning for the past forty years!

AI impacting creative fields: Subhani admitted that Artificial Intelligence is impacting many creative fields such as painting, illustration, copywriting, music, filmmaking and IT. However, political cartooning is less threatened because it is a deeply personal and intellectual art form shaped by judgement, experience and social awareness.

AI cannot fully replicate: According to Subhani, cartoonists interpret political events with unique perspectives, humour and symbolism which cannot be fully replicated by AI. While AI can imitate styles and patterns, it lacks emotional depth, cultural understanding, and moral insight. Political cartoons respond quickly to changing realities and reflect society's pulse.

Digital media has greatly expanded the reach of visual storytelling: In the past forty years, I have witnessed many changes in cartoon journalism. It has undergone a remarkable transformation. Earlier, it was limited to a small group of professional cartoonists and freelancers working for the print media. Today, the field has expanded significantly. Thousands of artists now have platforms to showcase their talent not only through print media, but also through digital media. Digital media has greatly expanded the reach of visual storytelling, opined Subhani.

Young artists prefer fields other than political cartooning: Dealing with the present predicament, Subhani felt, Beyond journalism, industries such as animation, video gaming, visual effects, and graphic design offer many opportunities for cartoonists and visual artists. As a result, many young artists prefer these fields over political cartooning. In these industries, work is divided among different professionals, whereas a political cartoonist must handle each and every aspect of the job all alone.

All along a one-man show: Subhani also asserted, A political cartoonist has to generate ideas, create the artwork and write a sharp and effective caption. It is truly a one-man show. Political cartoonists must also produce cartoons every single day without fail. They also need to be constantly updated on political events and developments to adhere to the rigid deadlines. Hence, political cartooning is a challenging profession.

Hindusthan Samachar / Manohar Yadavatti