NO: 33, Saturday, 11 January 2025
THE MAJESTY KOSOBUKIN
Abbas Naaseri / If we had formed a closer connection with kosobukin’s works, beyond his artistic power and unique style, we might have also appreciated the distinctive features of his art. His novel ideas, the rightness in his criticism, the depiction of injustice, discrimination, economic crises, class disparities, poverty, hunger, and even environmental issues, all contributed to making him a towering figure in the world of graphic humor and cartoons. These qualities turned him into one of the most renowned contemporary cartoonists.
kosobukin’s signature characters, with their unshaven faces, symbolized those who either couldn’t afford a razor or lacked the energy for daily grooming. They were people from the lower strata of society, wearing patched-up coats and jackets—people much like ourselves. Caught in their daily struggles, they worried about their next meal, burdened by a deep sorrow in their heart, wondering how they would survive the next day. At night, lying on their beds with half-empty stomachs, they might console themselves, saying, “The God of today will be the God of tomorrow too.”
kosobukin’s famous character in his cartoons, with their deep humor, made us pause and think. The sorrow embedded in his works sometimes made them more poignant than funny. We became immersed in his art because it reflected our shared pains. While his works did not always explicitly address these challenges, the common pain they conveyed was unmistakable, and it deeply touched our hearts.
It has now been twelve years since kosobukin left us. For us who never had the chance to meet him or fully appreciate his brilliance during his lifetime, the regret feels even heavier.
I was thinking, that in these past twelve years, the shadow of wars—both internal and external—has darkened the world so much that issues like poverty, economic crises, and inequality are the next priority. There has to be an urgent need for peace and an end to violence and destruction. If Yuri were still alive today, perhaps his signature instead of unshaven faces and patched coats would have given way to symbols of blood, bombs, destruction, and displacement.
Although Yuri left us in his middle age, he left behind works that will immortalize him for eternity. With 450 awards to his name, including over 100 first prizes, he achieved legendary status in his field.
Finally, this great artist passed away on January 15, 2013, at the age of 63, after a long illness. May his memory be honored, and may his soul rest in peace.
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