I feel compelled to warn you about the unprofessional conduct of Mr. V.G. Narendra, the Managing Trustee of the Indian Institute of Cartoonists, who fails to honor the commitments associated with the caricature contests he organizes. I am referring, in particular, to the contest held in memory of the Indian cartoonist Maya Kamath. After receiving everything he requested—photos with the award certificate, videos, and so on—he stopped responding to emails. Unfortunately, this sort of thing happens with other contests as well. Perhaps this is a way to make some money by deceiving participants and prize-winners, while simultaneously building a career on the backs of artists. It is not really about the money—the Managing Trustee might well be poor and suffering from destitution. It is hard for me to judge, but such behavior is reprehensible, as it demonstrates a cynical attitude toward the participants.
Moreover, this Managing Trustee has announced a new contest dedicated to D.K.Shivakumar—the "popular" (!) Chief Minister of Karnataka. I have never seen anything like this before. Cartoonists from around the world are being invited to participate in promoting an official—or perhaps even his election campaign. In other words, viewers attending the exhibition will be led to believe that this minister is known worldwide and is someone worth voting for. That may not be the case, but I cannot explain the purpose of such a contest any other way. And the Managing Trustee will undoubtedly reap rewards from such a "globally popular" official. A brilliant plan.
Unfortunately, the art of caricature is going through difficult times, and organizers like this only make the situation worse. I am not urging you to stop participating in the contests organized by the Indian Institute of Cartoonists—run by a "cartooning businessman"—as I have no right to do so; I am simply warning you.
Best wishes,
Konstantin Kazanchev
Chairman, Association of Ukrainian Caricaturists
Member, National Union of Journalists of Ukraine
Member, National Union of Artists of Ukraine
Award-winner at international competitions
Member of international caricature juries.
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