By way of Faten Omar
KUWAIT: Artist Hashem Behbehani is popping to choice strategies akin to webcomics as a medium to specific his concepts about politics and unfold consciousness the place information tales have failed. Behbehani, 32, who works in IT healthcare at Dasman Diabetes Institute, creates atypical drawings to inform the tale of Kuwait and be the voice of Kuwait. Kuwait Instances spoke to Behbehani to be told extra about his comedian artwork. Some excerpts.
Kuwait Instances: Rising up, did you draw? When did you get started your comedian magazine?
Hashem Behbehani: Early on in class, I loved artwork. In artwork elegance, I used to be probably the most few male scholars. Again then, I used to be doing a large number of still-life artwork and specializing in shadows. I did that till I graduated from college. After that I went into IT and misplaced my method in relation to artwork because of a loss of steering and motivation to do artwork.
At the moment in 2006, there was once no social media, and there was once now not as a lot appreciation for artwork up to lately. Nowadays, you’ll see the brand new era has it higher when it comes to the best way they normalize artwork, however again then, artwork was once a pastime and now not a occupation. I began with my comedian magazine as an concept prior to COVID in 2020. Later, because of the lockdown and busy lifestyles long gone, I targeted extra on comics and sought after to specific myself. I sought after to talk about politics and tradition, and felt the wish to have a wide-spread voice and proportion my reviews.
KT: The place do you get inspiration to your posts? Who influenced you?
Behbehani: My inspiration got here from an individual that I got here throughout on YouTube. The recommendation he gained as an artist was once that we’re at all times attempting many alternative issues without delay, which makes us distracted. Following this recommendation made me center of attention on a personality and now not random unfinished artwork. The only personality this is principally me is named ‘HB’. One of the crucial comics I did is encouraged by way of the theory of me wondering myself: HB is maintaining a possibility in his hand, and he’s eager about it. Then a query comes up, after that he throws the chance away. I posted this one in particular to be a explanation why for me to proceed.
Inspiration comes from the whole thing I see, listen and soak up. Once in a while it might be one thing very non-public to me or large political or global occasions. My drawing is sort of a diary – a magazine that individuals can relate to.
KT: Are you able to let us know extra about your philosophy in this sort of artwork?
Behbehani: Politics isn’t my major center of attention, however this may occasionally alternate. There’s a voice that must be heard. My philosophy comes all the way down to revel in. I don’t goal issues on objective. If Kuwait goes via a tricky time and I think like I wish to categorical my opinion or simply exhibit one thing, then I think artwork is tips on how to do it. Once in a while artwork is more potent than phrases. The comedian may just put ahead an concept and make folks suppose with out triggering anger.
On Twitter, I will see a large number of folks discuss politics. They’re at all times offended, however with cartoons, they aren’t. My purpose isn’t to cause folks, however to turn the opposite facet, even supposing the yoga submit generated a large number of detrimental feedback. This pushes me additional to voice my opinion on the rest that occurs.
I by no means grew up in a spot that was once one hundred pc Kuwaiti – I studied in a combined college, then went to check out of the country. Being anyone who was once now not American finding out in the United States, I in an instant felt I used to be in expats’ footwear. We’re all human. I noticed the way you must welcome those who don’t seem to be out of your nation. I will relate to foreigners in Kuwait and hate it when Kuwaitis blame them for his or her issues. I do know that foreigners are afraid to talk up on account of the results.
KT: What was once the primary comedian you ever labored on?
Behbehani: I began my first comedian in September 2012 once I were given again from the United States once I graduated. I made seven comedian works and posted them on my non-public non-public Instagram account, describing my revel in of coming again to Kuwait and struggling opposite tradition surprise. I made comics at the using scenario in Kuwait and the variation between hiring interviews in Kuwait and US. Then I ended. I assumed folks don’t seem to be keen on virtual artwork. I used to be predicting folks won’t care about my artwork, however I ended too quickly.
KT: How would you describe your taste?
Behbehani: My concept was once that I don’t wish to restrict my target audience. I wish to stay it as large as imaginable, and because of this the HB personality at all times used to put on a t-shirt and denims, however with time, some concepts required him to be in a dishdasha. I noticed the certain response and folks beloved it. So I trade between Arabian and Western types.
KT: Have you thought about making a comic book ebook or animated movie?
Behbehani: For now, I feel my center of attention is on my comedian magazine on Instagram. Kuwait goes via so much presently – I wish to talk about the whole thing that occurs. Possibly after a couple of years, I will post a ebook of all my comedian posts. Our lifestyles is the tale.
KT: Let us know extra in regards to the levels of your paintings?
Behbehani: I really like to look at issues and take notes. During my day, if one thing occurs, I put the information down in my notes, after which I consider tips on how to translate the theory into a visible. I cartoon and draw it digitally on my iPad a couple of instances with a virtual pencil. One comedian takes no less than seven hours and a most of 31. The longest drawing length was once two weeks.
I at all times write down my concepts. I’ve greater than 100 written concepts. If the theory is time delicate, I draw it in an instant and put it out; if now not, I will be able to reserve it for later. I submit much less as a result of I wish to center of attention at the high quality and the extra essential message.
KT: Do you’ve got any fast recommendation for aspiring comedian illustrators available in the market?
Behbehani: My recommendation is not to suppose an excessive amount of in regards to the long run. Take into accounts the prevailing – you probably have one thing, do exactly it. Focal point on something, one taste, or one medium, and stay on doing it. You need to follow. You will be excellent at a couple of issues, however now not nice at one. Don’t worry about folks judging and detrimental feedback. Issues are a lot worse for your head than in actual lifestyles.
KT: A final phrase.
Behbehani: Kuwait goes via a large number of difficult instances, a time once we are shedding hope for a brilliant long run, and I are not looking for us to lose hope. I think that Kuwait is full of people who find themselves clever, motivated and sensible, and we will be able to do it. Despite the fact that it’s excellent to show flaws, on the finish of the day, we wish answers, and we must be the technique to the issue.