A celebrated cartoonist of Goa will be in Auckland this weekend to speak on the subject of cartoons and display some of his funniest and thought-provoking works that have appeared in the media over the years.
Alex Raphael Fernandes (popularly known as ‘Alexyz’) is one of the most prolific cartoonists of India with a number of popular newspapers and magazines regularly featuring his works.
Former Goanz president Corvin Carvalho is organising the exhibition comprising 40 cartoons at the Carmelite Chapel (636 Mt Albert Road) in Hillsborough on February 5 from 1030 am to 1 pm.
Entry to the exhibition and lecture is free and open to all.
Mr Carvalho said Alexyz is known for his outspokenness and readiness to support any cause that fostered public interest and community welfare.
“He is one of the most socially concerned cartoonists of Goa. His interests range from politics and current affairs to environment and sports,” he said.
Born, raised and educated in Mumbai, Alexyz began his career as an art teacher but the pristine surroundings of his native Goa attracted him to its shores. He began drawing cartoons for local papers and soon established his reputation for quick-on-the-draw sketches, caricatures and cartoons that have found their way into the columns of major publications in India.
Among them are Readers’ Digest, Indian Express, Illustrated Weekly (now ceased), Midday, Sportsweek, The Daily, Goa Today, (Goa) Herald, Navhind Times and Gomatak Times.
Mr Carvalho said that like most cartoonists, Alexyz is funny, irritating and even exasperating.
“For the past several years, he has given a fillip to fun-loving Goans. He is one the best-known and best-loved cartoonists of our State,” he said.
The ‘Konkani Sonskrutik Somajik Kala Kendr’ of Taleigao (an academy of arts and culture) honoured him with the ‘Pedro Adao Award’ on January 23, 2012.
The annual Award, comprising a citation and certificate is presented to outstanding persons in various fields, in memory of the late Portuguese Consul General in Goa.
