Thalab: 'Outstanding Son 2026' exhibition at the Cartoonists Association on November 4
Association president announces an art exhibition on November 4 featuring 70 artists from Kuwait, Argentina, and other countries
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
Mohammed Thallab, president of the Kuwaiti Cartoonists Association, announced that the “The Filial Son 2026” exhibition will be held at the association’s headquarters next Wednesday (November 4) at 6:30 p.m. and will run for a week, featuring more than 70 artists from Kuwait and various Arab and foreign countries.
Thallab explained that the association is organizing this artistic event to celebrate the astronomical landmark Dr. Saleh Al-Ajiri, who was selected as the personality of the year for the competition, in recognition of his scientific and humanitarian stature, and the national and ethical values he represents in Kuwaiti society. The event is sponsored and supported by the Ibrahim Taher Al-Baghl Charity, to which Thallab expressed his gratitude for the charity’s prominent and vital role in supporting the arts in Kuwait.
He stated that the exhibition serves to select and display the works submitted to the “The Filial Son” 2026 competition. He noted that choosing Dr. Saleh Al-Ajiri as the year’s personality gave the exhibition a special character, given the late scholar’s entrenched place in Kuwaiti memory as one of the most prominent scientific figures who contributed to spreading astronomical knowledge. His name is associated with generosity, dedication, and commitment—values that align with the objectives the association seeks to instill in society.
Thallab added that the association received artistic entries from within Kuwait and abroad, including artists from Gulf countries, Egypt, Argentina, and China, as well as participants from European and African nations. He highlighted that this diversity gives the exhibition a global dimension that transcends the local framework, underscoring art’s ability to build bridges of communication among different peoples and cultures and to unite around shared human values.
He clarified that the estimated number of participants exceeds 70 artists from various generations and artistic schools. While some submitted a single work, others contributed two, allowing the exhibition to host diverse experiences that bring together experienced artists and young talents, revealing a variety of artistic perspectives on Al-Ajiri’s persona and the concept of the filial son.
Thallab pointed out that the participating works belong to the genre of cartooning and are divided between artistic portraits of Al-Ajiri and expressive pieces addressing the meaning of the filial son and the values of piety and loyalty. He explained that artists offer their own interpretations of these themes through artistic treatments that combine visual expression with social messaging.
He further noted that the exhibition features both hand-drawn works and those created using digital art techniques, reflecting the evolution of cartooning and its diverse tools and methods, while retaining its ability to convey ideas and meanings directly and effectively. This variety allows the audience to explore different artistic approaches, whether in depicting the subject’s features or expressing his human and national significance.
Thallab emphasized that invoking Al-Ajiri’s persona goes beyond presenting his image in a cartoon style; it carries a symbolic dimension linked to his status in the hearts of Kuwaitis and the values of fatherhood, generosity, and loyalty he embodies. He noted that the participation of artists from various countries in drawing him offers an opportunity to introduce this figure to a broader audience through an artistic language that transcends differences in language and nationality.
He added that instilling the value of the filial son and strengthening its presence in society constitute a central theme of the exhibition. Art provides a medium to express intergenerational relationships, honor those who give, and revive human models that have left a mark on their surroundings. Honoring Al-Ajiri in this context serves as a celebration of a national figure associated with science and knowledge, alongside the ethical and social implications he represents.
Thalab concluded by emphasizing that the exhibition brings together the celebration of cartooning creativity and the honoring of national symbols, offering artists the opportunity to participate in a shared cultural and humanitarian message. He called on the public to visit the exhibition, explore the participating works, and discover the diverse perspectives they offer on the character of Dr. Saleh Al-Ajiri and the value of a devoted son.
