To gain deeper insight into Khaled Al Jaberi’s artistic journey, creative process, and unique perspective on caricature art, we had with him an in-depth conversation. In this interview, he shares how his style has evolved over the years, the inspirations behind his work, and his thoughts on the role of art in society. He also discusses the balance between humor and deeper meaning in his pieces, as well as his approach to digital and traditional techniques. Read on to discover more about the mind behind the art.
How would you describe your artistic style, and how has it evolved over the years?
My drawing style relies on simplicity and a strong reduction of the idea. Through the accumulation of my experiences, my style has undergone several transformations. Initially, I used to imitate some cartoon characters that I admired and felt were close to the style I was looking for. Gradually, I developed my own unique blend in both character design and the presentation of cartoon ideas. As I grew older, my style became even simpler, with fewer lines and details.
What inspires you the most when creating a new piece—personal experiences, cultural heritage, or something else?
Inspiration comes from various sources, including personal experiences that I perceive in a humorous way (even if they carry a somewhat dark undertone, which is known as black comedy). Some ideas stem from philosophical thoughts that linger in my mind for hours before transforming into lines and colors. Others arise from the economic, social, and political news I encounter daily, especially those that directly and noticeably impact society.
The process of finding an idea can take hours of deep thinking or just a few minutes, depending on the nature of the concept.
Your work often reflects deep emotion and meaning. How do you translate your thoughts and feelings into visual form?
Turning ideas into drawings is not an easy task. An artist must find a suitable visual representation that effectively conveys the emotions they want to express to the viewer in a concise way, using the fewest possible lines and colors. If the drawing requires text, it should also be kept to a minimum.
Even the characters, colors, and backgrounds must align with the concept and its nature—for example, darker colors for ideas that lean toward a somber tone. It is a creative equation that the artist must solve every time they pick up a brush or a pen.
Do you have a favorite medium or technique that you frequently use? What draws you to it?
I am a digital caricature artist, using computers, iPads, and other available digital tools to create my caricature work. However, I still appreciate the unique experience of drawing with pencil and ink, something I cannot find in any other medium, no matter how advanced. Even for pieces that require greater focus and imagination, I first sketch them on paper before transferring them to the computer, where I refine and enhance them for a more polished and structured appearance.
Currently, I am exploring the field of AI-generated art, which, as an artist, I do not particularly favor. However, I firmly believe that resisting progress is not wise. Instead, it is always better to learn, explore new technologies, and seek out tools that can serve and elevate one’s art.
How do you approach the use of color and composition in your artwork? Is there a particular philosophy behind your choices?
I may have already answered this question while explaining my drawing style. My philosophy has always been to convey an idea with the fewest possible lines and colors. I believe that simplicity in drawing, combined with a strong and concise idea, creates a beautiful and complete artwork.
In caricature art, the viewer does not need excessive details; rather, they should be given space for imagination, allowing them to add their own interpretation to the artwork. This is what makes every person perceive a caricature from their own unique perspective.
Colors should be minimized as much as possible because they can distract the viewer from the core idea and sometimes make the drawing feel exaggerated, prioritizing the visual over the message. This is why many caricature artists prefer to work solely with black ink.
Which of your artworks holds the most personal significance to you, and what’s the story behind it?
Some of my caricature works were inspired by strong personal experiences, while others did not gain much attention. It is not always necessary for what I love to align with what the audience prefers.
The first caricature I ever drew was one of the most impactful works for me. Its idea revolved around a television program that was airing at the time, and it was published in Al Ittihad newspaper in the UAE. I sent it by mail—since there was no internet or email back then—and it was published three weeks later. I spent those weeks eagerly anticipating the moment my work would be in print for the first time, and when it finally happened, it was truly an amazing feeling.
Another piece I created depicted a series of images of an Emirati family. In each frame, the number of family members decreased, while bruises and injuries appeared on some of them, symbolizing the aftermath of a tragic car accident. I drew this after one of my schoolmates passed away in a traffic accident. However, the work did not receive much attention because of its dark theme, as my audience at the time was primarily looking for comedy.
Are there recurring themes or symbols in your work? If so, what do they represent for you?
There is a cat that I frequently include in my drawings—a cat with white and orange fur. The story behind this cat is that it was the first pet I ever owned when I was five years old.
How do you see your role as an artist in Abu Dhabi’s contemporary art scene?
An artist cannot truly understand their place in their field without engaging with the art community and other artists. Thankfully, I have reached a level of self-satisfaction that allows me to have confidence in my skills and the experience I have gained. At the same time, I am not entirely content—this keeps me constantly seeking growth and learning new things.
Do you believe art should always have a deeper meaning, or can it simply exist for aesthetic pleasure?
I believe that art always conveys a message, even if it appears to the viewer as purely for entertainment without a specific meaning. The depth of the idea, of course, varies depending on the message being expressed.
What emotions or thoughts do you hope viewers take away when they engage with your artwork?
I always aspire for audience engagement with my work, whether positive or negative. The audience doesn’t have to share my ideas or agree with me. We are all vastly different, and that’s what makes life rich and exciting.
Every artist pours a part of their emotions into their artwork and feels happy when the audience connects with those feelings. However, an artist should not be disheartened if others do not share the same emotions—because, as I’ve said before, we are all different.
For more information, please follow the artist on Insragram.
