The dictator's hobby

"The Dictator’s Hobby" is a commissioned cartoon created for a client who wanted a powerful visual commentary on censorship and information control. The illustration shows large hands holding an open newspaper — a symbol of the public’s right to know — while a tiny dictator, absurdly disproportionate in scale, tries to paint over the content with white paint, as if brushing away the truth.

The artwork was made entirely by hand, using graphite, real newspaper clippings, and acrylic paint. This blend of traditional techniques highlights the tactile nature of the message: how authoritarian regimes often treat censorship as a pastime, believing they can silence voices or rewrite facts to change reality. This piece serves as a reminder of the importance of press freedom and the need to remain vigilant against those who seek to control the narrative.