Writing & Press

Visual storytelling, public life, and the freedom to draw.

A place for ideas behind the work, selected press coverage, and resources for editors, researchers, and cultural partners.

Editorial focus

Ideas that shape the practice

Cartoons as a language across borders

How a single image can make difficult subjects accessible across cultures, languages, and political contexts.

Visual communication

Drawing under pressure

Reflections on editorial courage, freedom of expression, and why independent platforms matter to cartoonists.

Freedom of expression

From sketch to public conversation

Notes on developing illustrations, exhibitions, comics, and animation that invite audiences to pause and respond.

Creative process

Selected coverage

In the press

Independent reporting and interviews on ARiF’s work, the 2007–08 case, and the ongoing work of Toons Mag.

"Violence over Bangladesh cartoon"BBC News, 2007
"Bangladesh cartoonist arrested"The Guardian, 2007
"Bangladesh suspends magazine over controversial cartoon"Reuters, 2007
"Cartoonist Arifur Rahman awarded prize for best online activist"ICORN, 2015
Interview on cartooning under censorshipSampsonia Way Magazine, 2013
Feature on women's rights cartoon exhibitionDeutsche Welle (DW), 2016

Working on a story, interview, or research project?

Background information, high-resolution images, and interview requests can be arranged through the project enquiry form.

Contact for press