Mosul, Iraq: One drawing says more than a thousand photographs

A view from ISIS-occupied Mosul, drawn by Molly Crabapple after a photo sent by a source.

American artist, cartoonist and journalist Molly Crabapple was featured on the BBC “Boston calling” -program recently. Ms. Crabapple told about her cooperation with a contact in Mosul, Iraq, which is occupied by the ISIS rebels. Her contact takes photographs (probably with a telephone) about life in occupied Mosul and sends the pictures through some intermediaries to Ms. Crabapple. 

Ms. Crabapple then makes drawings based on the photos sent to her. When I had a look at them (on www.mollycrabapple.com), it struck me how much more powerful the drawings are in comparison to “ordinary” war photographs. 

Many thanks to BBC for opening my eyes to this intriguing collaboration. Visit www.mollycrabapple.com to see more about her work.

(posted by Leif Packalen)

A view from ISIS-controlled Mosul, Iraq.