About ALAA B. Altaii

I am Alaa B. Altaii, a Canadian political cartoonist and researcher specializing in freedom of expression in authoritarian and hybrid regimes.
With over 30 years of experience, my work explores the powerful intersection of art, politics, and human rights.

My cartoons have been exhibited across the Middle East, Europe, and North America, and I have led international efforts to support visual artists facing censorship and persecution.
I hold a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Art, and my current postdoctoral research investigates the legal and cultural constraints on political cartoonists under repressive systems.

Beyond cartooning, I have a strong background in digital art, 2D/3D animation, and concept design, and I am committed to using visual storytelling as a tool for resistance and public discourse.

You can explore my artworks, exhibitions, interviews, and ongoing research throughout this website.

Alaa B. Altaii - CV
alaaaltaii22@gmail.com
Phone: 604-849-0591
Citizenship: Canadian

• Professional Title
  

Political Cartoonist | Researcher in Freedom of Expression | Ph.D. in Philosophy of Art

Summary of Qualifications

Over 30 years of experience in political cartooning, with exhibitions and publications across the Middle East, Europe, and North America.

Specialized in the intersection of art, politics, and human rights, particularly in authoritarian and hybrid regimes.

Extensive background in digital art, 2D/3D animation, visual effects, and concept design.

Leadership in organizing international gatherings advocating for visual artists’ freedom of expression.

Research Interests

Freedom of expression in authoritarian and hybrid political systems.

Legal and social constraints on political cartooning and visual dissent.

Role of visual arts in public discourse and resistance.

Comparative analysis of institutional repression and visual media activism.

Education

Ph.D. in Philosophy of Art, University of Alexandria, Egypt – 2022
Dissertation: “Methods of Modern Digital Technologies in Political Cartoon and Their Impact on World Politics”

M.A. in Graphic Design, Alexandria University, Egypt – 2018

B.F.A. in Fine Arts, University of Baghdad, Iraq – 1993

Diploma in 3D Animation & Visual Effects, Vancouver Film School, Canada – 2009

Diploma in Computer Graphics, Rosemount College, Montreal, Canada – 2004

Certificate in Computer Graphics, Universal Institute, Vancouver, Canada – 2014

Leadership Roles

President, International Canadian Political Cartoon Gathering (2015 – Present)

Organized exhibitions, public panels, artist residencies, and international collaborations focused on political cartooning and freedom of expression.

Academic Contributions

Current Research Project: “Freedom of Expression for Political Cartoonists in Hybrid Authoritarian Regimes”

Methodology: Qualitative interviews, archival analysis, comparative case studies (focus on the MENA region)

Exhibitions – Solo

Clary Matt Gallery, Vancouver, Canada – 2013, 2009

UNESCO Gallery, Beirut, Lebanon – “Dialogue of the Body”

Royal Cultural Centre, Amman, Jordan – 1997

Al-Nasr Gallery, Baghdad, Iraq – 1993

Group Exhibitions

Participated in over 50 international group exhibitions

Notable: International Canadian Political Cartoon Gathering (2015–present)

Themes: Political repression, social justice, civil resistance

Workshops & Community Engagement

Voluntary art workshops for seniors (Burnaby, BC, Canada)

Free drawing courses at Alexandria Atelier (Egypt)

Mentorship for emerging visual activists

Media Coverage

Interviews and features in international media and human rights publications

Portfolio and press clippings available upon request

Professional Affiliations

College Art Association (USA)

Association of American Editorial Cartoonists (USA)

Society of Canadian Artists

CARFAC BC (Canada)

Visual Researchers Society of Canada

National Association for the Visual Arts (Australia)

International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies

Political Cartoons Gallery (UK)

Portrait Society of Canada

Portrait Society of America

National Cartoon Society (USA)