TEHRAN – A collective exhibition of cartoons and caricatures titled “Muzzle” ("Puzeband") opened on Monday at the Aali Gallery of the Abolfazl Aali Gallery of the Art Bureau in Tehran, serving as an artistic tribute to the resilience and resistance of the Iranian nation amid external threats and provocations by the Zionist regime and the United States.

The event showcases 82 impactful works by some of Iran’s most prominent satirical artists, reflecting themes of patriotism, resistance, and defiance, Mehr reported. 

The opening ceremony was attended by cultural officials, artists, and media representatives. The gathering underscored the importance of art as a means of resistance and a tool to convey powerful messages during challenging times, the report added. 

In his opening remarks, curator Seyyed Masoud Shojai Tabatabai emphasized the significance of cartoons and caricatures as accessible and universal languages capable of transcending borders. "Cartoons are a direct, impactful medium that can communicate profound messages with humor and clarity," he stated. 

"Especially these days, when society faces external pressures and threats, the role of satirical art becomes even more vital. Our artists have responded wholeheartedly, producing works that narrate the story of resistance, sacrifice, and national dignity."

He highlighted that many of the works are inspired by directives from Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution and serve as responses to baseless claims and threats made by Israeli and American officials. 

"This exhibition is a tribute to the days when our nation stood tall, narrated its own truth, and refused to be silenced," he said. "Many artworks here are rooted in the directives of our leader, emphasizing strength, resilience, and the importance of standing firm."

“Even Iranian artists abroad contacted us after seeing these works and expressed their willingness to collaborate,” he said and added: “This exhibition could be the beginning of a broader presence of satirical artworks in public spaces such as the metro, city billboards, and national media.”

"We have many capacities in urban advertising and digital media. We are working to deliver these artworks in various formats to both domestic and international audiences,” he mentioned. 

Over the past 12 days, a large volume of works has been created, some of which have been presented in this exhibition and will be made accessible to the public in future projects, he explained. 

He also announced that, in addition to the gallery space, these works will be released through motion graphics, promotional teasers, and short animations across different media in three languages of Persian, English, and Arabic.

The “Muzzle” ("Puzeband”) exhibition features artworks by notable artists including Seyyed Masoud Shojai Tabatabai, Hossein Youzbashi, Mohammad Hossein Niroumand, Maziar Bijani, Seyyed Mohammad Javad Taheri, Mohammad Ali Rajabi, Abdolmajid Gheibi, Mohammad Hossein Sasani, Majid Adibi, Reza Hamidi, Salar Eshratkhah, and Seyyed Mohammad Salem. Their pieces depict a myriad of themes related to resisting external pressures, responding to propaganda, and showcasing the indomitable spirit of the Iranian people.

Poet and cultural figure Nasser Faiz, who suggested the title "Puzeband," highlighted the importance of humor and satire as tools to challenge and mock the false narratives propagated by enemies. "Many of these artworks are responses that combine humor with sharp critique, effectively undermining propaganda and misinformation," he said.

In a statement issued by the organizers, the exhibition is framed as a tribute to the days when Iran demonstrated resilience during the Iran-Iraq war and other instances of external aggression. It underscores that the current wave of art is rooted in a long history of resistance, patriotism, and faith.

"The works presented are more than mere caricatures—they are a reflection of the national spirit that refuses to surrender to threats or misinformation," the statement reads. "They echo the words of the Leader, emphasizing that Iran does not seek conflict but will respond decisively if attacked."

The exhibition will run until July 15, with visitors invited to explore the powerful messages conveyed through these artistic responses. The organizers also announced plans for wider public display, including collaborations with Tehran's Beautification Organization, to ensure these messages reach a broader audience.

SAB/