FREEDOM IS NOT A LUXURY!

During the 2011 Arabian uprisings, Firas Bachi returned to political cartoons, using his art to speak out against dictatorship, injustice, oppression, and discrimination. His cartoons highlighted the suffering of innocent people, and as he published his works online, he garnered support from a global audience in both Arabic and English.

Born in Damascus in 1979, Firas grew up in a creative family. His parents art inspired him, and he developed a love for drawing. Despite the oppressive environments in Syria and Saudi Arabia, Firas's creativity thrived. He was influenced by Arab cartoonists like Ali Farzat and Mahmoud Kahil, as well as international artists like Picasso and Dali.

Firas began creating political cartoons in the 1990s and was recognized as “the Economics Cartoonist” during college. Although he holds a degree in Economics, Firas's passion for art led him to work in advertising, where he contributed to successful campaigns. He later earned a Master's degree in Visual Communication Design, further refining his skills.

Even after Syria’s liberation in December 2024, Firas continues to draw for freedom of the people, fighting dictatorships and terrorism with art, and supporting freedom of expression and social justice. He has contributed to art shows across Europe, Canada, the Middle East, and North Africa. A member of the Syrian Cartoonist's Gathering, he has been featured in publications like Newsweek and Global Voices.