Mrityunjay’s treetoons at Indian Institute of Cartoonists Gallery enthral Bengaluru

BENGALURU: An exhibition of cartoons drawn by Hyderabad-based popular cartoonist Mrityunjay titled 'Treetoons' (Haritha haasam) is on display at the Indian Institute of Cartoonists Gallery in Bengaluru. The Treetoons are aimed at creating awareness about tree plantations.

The exhibition was inaugurated by renowned artist, critic and writer Suresh Jayaram. Savvy Mrs. India photogenic Renuka Kumbham was the guest of honour and Green India co-founder Raghavendra Yadav was the special guest.

Suresh Jayaram said that the cartoons drawn by Mrityunjay were thought-provoking and they encourage people to plant saplings. “Every cartoon he drew should be printed on t-shirts and handbags to create awareness among people,” he said.

Renuka Kumbham said that she understood from her grandfather, Kapu Rajaiah, how sacred the space that the artists created was. “Trees have emotions and they speak. If you look at Mrityunjay's cartoons, you can see that they are truly ‘haritha’ awesome,” she said.

Raghavendra Yadav observed that Mrityunjay had drawn three hundred cartoons specially for Green India. “It is a great thing to display some of them here. All efforts will be made to present these wonderful cartoons to future generations,” he said.

Mrityunjay said that his father, a famous Ikkat artist Chiluveru Ramalingam inspired him to draw cartoons. “I was also inspired by MP Joginapally Santosh Kumar's Green India to draw these 'treetoons'. I am filled with new joy while I draw these cartoons which are different from regular political cartoons,” Mrityunjay said.

He said that he always felt that the Indian ink he used was water and pencils were plants with sprouted cartoon leaves and the gallery was blooming with 80 cartoons. “I am forever thankful to gallery managing trustee Narendra who allowed me to plant these cartoon plants in this gallery," he said. The exhibition will continue till 21 of this month.