RED MAN: Where were you born?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: I was born in Vacaria, city of Brasil, South America, in 1951.
RED MAN: What was your childhood like? Are there any events related to art?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: Yes, since my childhood my favorite game was drawing. I remember that when my friends invited me to play outdoors, I preferred to draw.
RED MAN: When did you start drawing?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: My mother kept my drawings which I made in the first years of school, and looking at them now I see that they had some quality.
RED MAN: Have you ever studied at an art school?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: Yes, I remember that we had free drawing classes and I was always distinguished with the best grades. Maybe that's why I started my passion for drawing and consequently later for cartooning.
RED MAN: Did you start creating cartoon at that time?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: When I participated in a humor show at the former Playboy Magazine in 1987, I received first place and an invitation to publish in the magazine on a regular basis. I was a contributor to the magazine with monthly publication of my cartoons for a period of four years.
RED MAN: We would like to know when you decided to become an artist? Is your family full of artistic atmosphere?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: No member of my family had any artistic talent. When I started participating in cartoon competitions, I felt that this was the path to my artistic fulfillment. With the awards also came invitations and opportunities to publish my work not only in Brazil but also in newspapers and magazines abroad.
RED MAN: What do your family and friends think of your choice to "make a living through art"? To what extent do they support you?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: Actually, my profession is in the medical field. I am a surgeon and I used to consider cartooning as a hobby. However, with the passing of time and due to my great involvement with "fine art", I now consider cartooning as a profession. I have commitments with publishers, magazines and I practically have to dedicate a good part of my time to this activity which, like medicine, gives me immense pleasure.
RED MAN: What is your family background?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: My father was a pharmacist, and my mother took care of the house. I have a sister who is a teacher and neither of them had any artistic orientation. My two sons are respectively a mechanical engineer and a dentist.
RED MAN: When did you start creating international cartoon works and participating in international cartoon competitions? Did any special issues or events ignite your inspiration and start a new creative path?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: My interest in participating in events related to cartooning was greatly boosted by the Gold Prize at the International Cartoon Contest Yomiuri Shimbum (now an event that has been discontinued). I must also mention three first places at the Piracicaba International Humor Festival and other awards of great importance.
RED MAN: We understand that your work has a strong sense of storytelling, as if I am immersed in it, with bright colors and distinctive features. How did you develop your own style? You are very good at creating cartoon works using computers. What do you think is the difference between this and hand drawing?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: I am from a time when we did not have this technology (PhotoShop, Corel Draw and others) and cartoons were made with ink and colored pencils. The Internet was a distant promise and the work was sent by mail. With the advent of the Internet and computer graphics, it is difficult for us to remain on the sidelines of this technological advance. However, I still prefer to make my cartoons using a hybrid method, that is, the drawing is initially done by hand and then finished in Photoshop. Of course, commercially this is the best and fastest method, but in the case of competitions, the drawing has more value when this technology is discarded. The cartoon becomes more personalized with the author's own style.
RED MAN: What is on your mind when you are painting?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: I always tell my friends and colleagues that cartooning is an immense pleasure for me.
When I'm drawing, I disconnect from all the external pressures of everyday life and from the routine of my medical work, which in certain situations is extremely stressful. I jokingly say that cartooning is my antidepressant medication for me.
RED MAN: There is no text in your work. Do you oppose the use of text? Do you think there is always a way to convey information or ideas purely from images?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: I always prefer wordless cartoons. I believe that cartooning, as the universal language of humor, should be understood by everyone. And for me it is extremely pleasurable to know that a cartoon of my authorship being exhibited on the other side of the world has the power to make people of different traditions, customs, and races laugh.
The quick and easy understanding of wordless cartoons has a very effective power of communication, surpassing those that require text to be understood.
RED MAN: What artists or works have influenced you in the process of forming your unique style? You can give an example, for example, show the two or three works that you think have had the greatest impact on you to everyone.
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: My reference in cartooning is the Argentine QUINO. His style is unique as well as his humorous vein without precedent. I have been following his work for some years. In Brazil I cannot fail to mention my admiration for the magnificent work of Ziraldo, considered the master of all Brazilian cartoonists.
RED MAN: When did Brasil cartoon originate? What are the representative cartoonists? You can tell us about them.
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: Angelo Agostine is considered the first Brazilian cartoonist. His drawings appeared in the magazine Malho in the 19th century. But the great impetus regarding Brazilian cartooning came with the publication of the magazine "O Pasquim" during the Brazilian military regime, where this magazine stood out as an opposition to this regime. The magazine gave a lot of space to the publication of many Brazilian cartoonists who were thus encouraged to develop their creativity, such as Henfil, Jaguar, Millor Fernades, among others.
As a reference in my state, I highlight the work of the cartoonist Santiago (Neltair R bes de Abreu), winner of several awards and international recognition.
RED MAN: Where do you think the world's cartoon originated from? When is the origin time?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: When I give lectures to students about cartoons, I always say that cartoons originated when primitive man scraped charcoal on the wall of his cave in an attempt to express some thought. So this would be the first cartoon.
RED MAN: We know that Brasil art is very distinctive. How has the development of Brasil cartoon been? Are there many professional cartoonists in Brasil? How is their living condition?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS:Unfortunately, cartooning in Brazil is not recognized as a profession. A few cartoonists survive solely on this activity. They have spaces in newspapers, but in a very limited way. Most work freelance. Many go into the area of ??children's book illustration, which gives them a certain financial security. But most of them are freelancers.
RED MAN: Are there many cartoon publications, magazines, and newspapers in Brasil? How did they reach the hands of the readers?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: There are few humor publications in Brazil and almost all of them are the result of initiatives by groups of independent cartoonists who publish their cartoons with some kind of sponsorship.
Here in my state there is an independent publication called "Jornal Hienas" that publishes cartoons by a cartoonist called SPRITZER, with sponsorship from advertisers.
RED MAN: What is people's definition of cartoon? Do people like cartoon? Especially do schools and parents allow children to read cartoon?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: Yes, the interest in cartooning is evident when we talk about this topic in schools for teenagers. Many students ask me about cartooning after my talk, showing great interest with questions about humor salons, drawing techniques as well as materials used in this practice.
RED MAN: Are there many derivative products of cartoon in Brasil, and do cartoon images often appear on products? Do people like these products?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: Here in Brazil, many products use cartoons or characters from cartoons in the marketing of their products. Unfortunately, most of them are of foreign origin (Walt Disney and others, for example). Mauricio de Souza, creator of Turma da Monica, stands out for the products marketed with his characters.
RED MAN: In Brasil, whether it is primary school, secondary school, or university, are there any specialized courses in cartoon? What are the ways people learn cartoon?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: In Brazil, there is no reference to teaching cartooning in elementary or basic education. It is only taught in higher education, represented by the Faculty of Fine Arts. Cartoonists, in the vast majority of cases, develop their own interests by participating in competitions or being guided by a more experienced cartoonist who can guide them in improvement techniques.
RED MAN: Is there a cartoon museum in Brasil? If so, please introduce the Cartoon Museum to your readers.
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: Infortunately, there is no cartoon museum in Brazil. On the initiative of cartoonist Edra from Minas Gerais, in the city of Caratinga, the "Casa do Ziraldo" was opened, which brings together a large collection of works by the great cartoonist Ziraldo. There are exhibitions parallel to the humor salons, such as the annual Piracicaba International Humor Salon, which showcases the works of Brazilian cartoonists.
RED MAN: What cultural heritage is there in Brasil? Do government departments and people attach great importance to these cultural heritages? What is people's understanding of these cultural heritages? What impact does cultural heritage have on you?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: Brazil was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch and Spanish. It is also heavily influenced by African culture, as African slaves were brought here during the colonization period. At the beginning of the Empire, during the Portuguese monarchy, several cartoonists stood out in their criticism of this regime. Honor Damian stands out among them. Later, during the Republic, several cartoonists played an important role in the growth of cartoons and cartooning. They were: Calixto, J. Carlos, Rian (the first female Brazilian cartoonist, who used this pseudonym to avoid identifying herself with Nair de Teff , wife of President Hermes da Fonseca at the time). Currently, cartooning plays an important role in criticizing the government, as well as in issues of the environment, armed conflicts, pollution and inequality.
RED MAN: What have people done to protect these cultural heritages? (Specific measures and promotion methods.) What role has cartoons played in cultural heritage protection? What role do you think cartoons can play in the protection of cultural heritage in the future?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: In my opinion, the defense of cultural heritage can be objectified through humorous drawings with the critical eye of the cartoonist on the social injustices that distort our cultural heritage. Not only because of social inequality, a major cause of this distortion of cultural heritage, which when exacerbated by critical drawing can and should give the reader a detailed picture of the injustices, causing him, the reader, to form a critical opinion of that moment experienced.
RED MAN: This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the world anti fascist movement. What is the understanding of Brasil youth towards the 80th anniversary of the victory of the world anti fascist movement? What educational measures does Brasil have in this regard? Have Brasil cartoonists produced any anti Fascist cartoon works over the past 80 years?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: Brazil is a democratic country, despite having survived a fascist regime in its recent history. The population yearns for democracy and is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the end of this regime worldwide. I can assure you that Brazilian cartoonists as a whole defend democracy and freedom of expression and take a stance of attack when these institutions are threatened. Today's youth, unlike those of the past, with the advent of social networks are more participatory and clearly demonstrate their opposition to any authoritarian regime.
RED MAN: Are there any commemorative facilities in Brasil for the victory of the anti fascist movement? What are the regular commemorative activities?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: The celebrations that exist in my country do not necessarily fit into the anti-fascist movement. We celebrate our Independence Day (04/07), Proclamation of the Republic Day (11/15).
RED MAN: What other hobbies do you have in your life?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: I like running, hiking, watching movies and I'm passionate about "Blues", a style of music that accompanies me whenever I'm drawing.
RED MAN: If you weren't an artist, what would you do?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: Cartooning fills a large space in my life with great pleasure and fulfillment. Medicine has always been my great passion, my vocation. Dividing my time between these two wonderful activities makes me a fulfilled man. The recognition of receiving an award for a cartoon is comparable to the success of a medical treatment for a sick patient. These two activities give meaning to my life, fulfilling me as a human being in harmony with my family.
RED MAN: What do you want to say to people who like your work?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: They make me very happy and encourage me to continue doing my best. The laughter caused by my cartoon is the best reward and the recognition of my work is my professional achievement.
RED MAN: What advice do you have for young cartoon artists who respect you and take you as an example? What would you say to your respected colleagues? What would you say to readers who like your work? What would you say to readers who don't understand humor? Besides, what advice do you give yourself? What advice do you give me?
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: To the beginning cartoonists, who seek to learn about the right materials for drawing, pens and special papers. Promote your work as much as possible through humor shows, because this way your work will be recognized and possibly used in the future. To our colleagues, who do not give up on their dreams and continue to fight to get space in the media and in the future to be recognized professionally. To the readers, our main target, we ask that you maintain your precious prestige and, to the readers who do not understand us, our apologies, recognizing that sometimes we are not very clear in the representation of our ideas. A piece of self-advice: Improve your drawing, always seeking easy, spontaneous laughter, often therapeutic and never transmit a pessimistic, violent or unfair message, but rather an optimistic cartoon, full of life and humor.
RED MAN: Without a doubt, you have succeeded. I know you are happy with what you have done.
Lastly, thank you for your trust and support in our interview!
RONALDO CUNHA DIAS: YESSSSSSSS !!! Thanks a lot
