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Abbas Naaseri / This week, I address the issue of similarities, a topic that has long been debated in the field of cartoon art. For several years, various terms such as inevitable similarities and unavoidable similarities have been used to describe this phenomenon. This means that an artist cannot possibly have seen all the works produced in the world throughout the history of cartoons and stored them in their mental archive. Therefore, these unintentional similarities sometimes occur inevitably.
Yes!!! Similarity in an artist’s works, if it occurs rarely, may lend credence to this theory. However, unfortunately, the prevalence of similarities in the works of some individuals is so high that labeling them as mere similarities is an unfair characterization of the term. We undoubtedly witness professional copying. Some idea-deficient cartoonists think They are bound to plagiarize, hiding their theft under the umbrella of similarities.
It’s essential to understand that similar works differ significantly from professional and clumsy copies, a distinction that only professional cartoonists truly comprehend. In copied works, the similarity is evident not only in the initial idea but also in elements, spatial organization, perspective, character design, color choices, and various aspects of execution compared to the reference work—these resemblances are prevalent, and the artist’s attempts to conceal them are often in vain.
However, our silence regarding these individuals has led them to a point where they insist on their actions without fear or shame, much like a thief who goes with the light on, to steal. Instead of being exposed, commits a more selective robbery under the cover of night.
It is we who must set aside tolerance and be more cautious in our interactions with anyone whose similarities in his works exceed the usual threshold. Our likes, comments, and approvals only serve to strengthen their resolve to continue this path.
As the poet says:
“How can the pious make concessions with thieves?
Surely, anyone who accommodates a thief is a thief.”
The only presently available means to prevent the triumph and visibility of such works is to encourage festival organizers to invite knowledgeable, up-to-date judges who are specialists in the field. The composition of festival judges must be devoid of non-cartoonists and non-professionals.
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NO:20 , Saturday, 28 September 2024
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