ADVERTISEMENT

Art is a powerful form of expression, not just of beauty and aesthetic quality, but of ideas and protest as well. Cuban artist Angel Boligán is a master of this, delivering incredibly insightful critiques on the ills of the modern world within the confines of a single, beautifully drawn cartoon.

Boligán, who now lives in Mexico City after being invited to work at El Universal, one of the country's major newspapers, has received countless international awards and worldwide recognition for the way he highlights the rampant consumerism, loneliness, addiction and over-reliance on technology in Western society. "I am a social caricaturist, a graphic chronicler of the era in which we live," he told Bored Panda. "My drawings are usually conceptual, I like to provoke a smile accompanied by some reflection."

In his 38 years of working as a cartoonist Boligán's work has changed graphically, but he sees issues that have been recurrent in his work and are still very much relevant today. "Satire is a whip against these extreme leaders of our days," he explains. "It is a pity that humans do not learn from our history and our mistakes and we are again invaded by extremism, selfishness, blindness and mediocrity."

"The caricature does not kill anyone but it can stir the conscience. Intelligent, committed and honest humor connects with people, and I believe that we are each a very valuable grain of sand in the construction of a better world."

Boligán is inspired by life and society, and is a "hunter of ideas, emotions and the absurdities that are happening between us." He takes slices of humor, graphics, metaphors and a little poetry, and serves them up in ink with a touch of watercolor. And while he is happy in Mexico, Cuba is most definitely in his heart. "Of Cuba it is true, I left," he told us. "But I never abandoned!"

We here at Bored Panda have compiled a list of our favorite examples of Boligán's work, cartoons that will make you stop, think and perhaps realize the absurdity of our selfish and wasteful capitalist culture, which is slowly killing our relationships, our mental health and the planet we all call home.

Scroll down to check them out for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

#4

Life's Labyrinth

Life's Labyrinth

Angel Boligán Report

#5

Playing Outside

Playing Outside

Angel Boligán Report

#6

Friendship Request

Friendship Request

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
rosebona avatar
athornedrose
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i have never met a pet owner that cared more about tech than their pet. ever.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#9

Genders

Genders

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
1molksiazkowy avatar
Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is really sad. I don't say that EVERY man thinks he is better than women. I know many men who are really reasonable and supporting. But it is true that even really smart and understanding ones sometimes find it hard to accept that a woman (especially young or attractive) can be as intelligent as them.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#10

Job Interview

Job Interview

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
meinespammailadresse1 avatar
A B C
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now come on, that one's a bit unrealistic... [...] have you seen her neck? Nobody has such a neck!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Family Portrait With A Macho

Family Portrait With A Macho

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
mmagcoco avatar
Turnip and a Frog
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one’s is so true. Feeding on devotion, care and life force of the other. Wearing a mask of a “real man”, protective and strong on the outside, but just a simple bully to his family. Very clever representation.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

The Sweetest Kiss

The Sweetest Kiss

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
1molksiazkowy avatar
Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This doesn't fit the title. This illustration is really heartwarming, it shows rather the good side of society than bad. Also, maybe it's just me but I really like to look at elder couples - these people are often so in love in each other, even after so many years...

View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Neighbours And Borders

Neighbours And Borders

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
katieandjaredcoates avatar
Katie and Jared Coates
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like this one. Basically all the resources come from one side while the other gets exclusively the profit. (And the s**t, but I still haven't got that metaphor!)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#16

Love And Generations

Love And Generations

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
diane1atk avatar
diane a
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

a genuine real-life "like" is worth any number of imaginary "likes" by strangers

View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

Parenting

Parenting

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
llsewer avatar
Jaguarundi
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Conveys the emotion as intended, as all art should evoke an emotional response. Beautiful and touching. I love this.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#18

Grandfather

Grandfather

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
freyathewanderer_1 avatar
Freya the Wanderer
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a good idea to befriend people who are at least a generation older than you are. I lived with my grandmother for a number of years, and she was a walking history lesson.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

Divorce

Divorce

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
devoncholon avatar
Pineapple Queen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@THE ULTIMATE PUGTATO >_< My parents divorced when I was only 5, too young to understand and too old to forget. Obviously it hurt, and still does, and I cried many tears, but I will always say I am happy they got divorced. By saying they should have stayed together to spare your feeling is cruel and selfish. If you care more about your own happiness then the happiness of people who love and do everything for you, then you need to rethink your values.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#20

Abortion, Women And Politics

Abortion, Women And Politics

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
sweetangelce04 avatar
Christina Sersif
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What a woman does with her body is her business and her business only. If we have the baby we don't want we're shamed for being a welfare rat. If we have an abortion we're shamed for being a baby killer. If we say no to sex we're a stuck up prude. Nothing we do is right.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#23

Justice Taken Into Their Own Hands

Justice Taken Into Their Own Hands

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
diane1atk avatar
diane a
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Little good has ever been done by carrying a gun - other than shooting the bad guy who also has a gun. Take guns out of the equation Trump - dont just suggest teachers carry them or that there need to be armed guards at religious services just in case a nutcase who has LEGALLY bought weapons decides to use them

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#25

Shepherd

Shepherd

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
freyathewanderer_1 avatar
Freya the Wanderer
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't have a Facebook account, and I never will. The drawbacks and risks far outweigh the advantages.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#27

Alleged Offenders

Alleged Offenders

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
rosebona avatar
athornedrose
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

why alleged? there's proof of actual abuse. just cause it's not all of them, doesnt make it untrue.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#28

Walls And Liberties

Walls And Liberties

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
bastienmahoux avatar
Bastien Mahoux
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Funny, I saw this more like a mortgage that anchor you at one place and does not allow you to go live wherever you want.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#32

Migrant's Destination

Migrant's Destination

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
jilldsumner avatar
Jilltdcatlady
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Le Petit Prince" he tried to find a better world, and found his own land was still better than others.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#35

Soul

Soul

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#36

Migrant Family Portrait

Migrant Family Portrait

Angel Boligán Report

#37

Duel In The Hospital

Duel In The Hospital

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
3020330 avatar
Philoslothical
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You can see the patient's hand pressing the doctor's, trying to make Death win. He doesn't want his life prolonged.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#38

Modern Times

Modern Times

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
yumenaraba avatar
rola
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before smart phones and tablets, couples would read books in bed and not interact. So this is nonsense

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#40

Socialism / Capitalism

Socialism / Capitalism

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
freyathewanderer_1 avatar
Freya the Wanderer
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is plenty of room between the two extremes. Capitalism/libertarianism is too little government regulation, Communism is too much.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#41

Displaced By The Gods

Displaced By The Gods

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#42

Bilateral Relationship

Bilateral Relationship

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#43

Anti-Corruption Spray

Anti-Corruption Spray

Angel Boligán Report

#44

Internet

Internet

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
1molksiazkowy avatar
Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't see why is it wrong. Ok, we DO search informations in internet rather than in books, but - internet is less expensive and gives more data. It's not like people are reading less, they just use another sources. Also, people still love books, they just buy belles-lettres and fiction rather than textbooks and encyclopedies, that's all.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#46

Republican Inspection

Republican Inspection

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#47

Excellency Prize At 18th World Press Freedom International Editorial Cartoon Competition

Excellency Prize At 18th World Press Freedom International Editorial Cartoon Competition

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
unbeldivbva avatar
Helen Leeds
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's the press shining a light on guns, but bringing violence on themselves in doing so.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#48

Blacksmith

Blacksmith

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
pragyafating_1 avatar
Jaded Queen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's really nice. Ppl should have this. Iron will!!! I wish this could be done in real life. Things will be so easier.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#49

Masculine Conflict

Masculine Conflict

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
pragyafating_1 avatar
Jaded Queen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actually the symbol used is the one for the female. The male symbol is different.(at least where I am from)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

Institutional Blindness

Institutional Blindness

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
jordystar avatar
Jordy Star
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

and those they do "see" are black men who are innocently slaughtered in the street like dogs

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#51

Tv Abuse

Tv Abuse

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
tayobabalola14 avatar
TheBlackPanda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tv is a waste of time. You have to see a lot of irrelevant things before they show you a altered fraction the truth

View more commentsArrow down menu
#52

Reading Lesson

Reading Lesson

Angel Boligán Report

#54

Vegetarian

Vegetarian

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
pragyafating_1 avatar
Jaded Queen
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So being vegetarian kills animals and is wrong but being non- vegetarian is what Exactly. I am a veg but I don't go around telling other ppl how non-veg is bad for them(believe me I can, I have the authority). Who gives someone the right to question someone else's choice?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#55

Access To Politics

Access To Politics

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
mmagcoco avatar
Turnip and a Frog
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love it. Such a simple trick, the high heels at the bottom of the stairs and it speaks so loud and moving.

#56

Power And Censorhip

Power And Censorhip

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#58

Easy Meal

Easy Meal

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
christovovap avatar
Petra Christovová
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, we mostly do not have to hunt or trace animals to eat them .. we just go to store.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#59

Souvenir

Souvenir

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
jerrylim avatar
Jerry Lim
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Everyone is wearing and using the cross as a symbol of their faith for Jesus Christ. But in fact, they have it so to show that they have "faith". The cross is only an idol that everyone worships to and God forbids that. Furthermore, if Jesus was crucified on an electric chair for example. I guess everyone would hold an electric chair?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#60

Freedom Of Speech

Freedom Of Speech

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
davidkavoli avatar
Deividas Aš
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem with freedom os speech is called "political correctness". You cannot say things that are true but are not comfortable. So why then freedom of speech is needed?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#61

Neoliberal Government

Neoliberal Government

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#62

Food For Kids

Food For Kids

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
diane1atk avatar
diane a
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sad - that kids cannot imagine a world without mobile phones or the internet

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#64

The Land Belongs To Those Who Labour It

The Land Belongs To Those Who Labour It

Angel Boligán Report

#67

Consumed Consumer

Consumed Consumer

Angel Boligán Report

#68

The Best Mirror

The Best Mirror

Angel Boligán Report

#70

Party-Liner Media

Party-Liner Media

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#71

Conceiving Day

Conceiving Day

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
jilldsumner avatar
Jilltdcatlady
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Life begins at conception" - Pro-Life. "Life begins when fetus can live outside womb"- Pro-Choice. "Don't provide birth control, or abortion, complain about how many poverty level families are relying on welfare, food stamps, HUD, free clinics, etc." - Politics.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#72

Roots

Roots

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#73

When Parents Have An Argument

When Parents Have An Argument

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
1molksiazkowy avatar
Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

... it isn't really compatible with his picture about divorce... So, it is bad when parents are arguing but for God sake, don't let them divorce? That doesn't make sense. :/

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#74

Readjustment

Readjustment

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
mohanapriyaa1410 avatar
Mohana Priyaa
Community Member
5 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#75

The One In Charge

The One In Charge

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#77

Internet And Copyright

Internet And Copyright

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#78

Official Information

Official Information

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
acshepherd1218 avatar
Amanda Raynes
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fyi there are both glasses and contacts that are "smart" and can do augmented reality... Hard pass for me

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#79

Campaign

Campaign

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
jerrylim avatar
Jerry Lim
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Biblically speaking, we are all sheeps. But instead of being led by the true prophet, we are being led astray by the false prophets whom are the ones that only long for what is in this world.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#80

Migrant's Home

Migrant's Home

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#81

Jesus Christ Nowadays

Jesus Christ Nowadays

Angel Boligán Report

#82

Induced Bribery

Induced Bribery

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#83

No Like

No Like

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
1molksiazkowy avatar
Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This also doesn't show what is WRONG with society - it just shows how life works. You're not obliged to return someone's feelings. It looks like this woman is honest with him, so everything's ok.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#84

The Risk Of Freedom

The Risk Of Freedom

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
tayobabalola14 avatar
TheBlackPanda
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He should be electrocuted though! Why is he still on his phone?

#85

Plastic Surgery

Plastic Surgery

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
1molksiazkowy avatar
Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Another one that is rather annoying. I'm not saying that havig too many plastic surgery is a good thing. But if it is one or two and if it improves someone's self-confidence? Why not. Some people hate their bodies - they do not do surgery to please others just to please themselves. After surgery, sometimes they are happier, they have better life. Interference with your own body is not a bad thing, it's just one of the choices you can make. :(

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#86

Smarter Phone

Smarter Phone

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#87

Nomophobia

Nomophobia

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#88

Casting

Casting

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
1molksiazkowy avatar
Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's not like ONLY women are doing this. -.- Men are just as just as demanding as women, sometimes even more. But, of course, it is women who are materialistic and heartless. I really hate this.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#89

Where's The Love?

Where's The Love?

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
1molksiazkowy avatar
Enuya
Community Member
5 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not everyone needs a permanent relationship. As long as both sides are happy, I really do not understand what the problem is.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#90

Platform For Politicians

Platform For Politicians

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#91

Lumberjack Of Income

Lumberjack Of Income

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#92

Giving Shape To Thoughts

Giving Shape To Thoughts

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
jerrylim avatar
Jerry Lim
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Instead of following what is in your mind, people are controlled by what they see (that is the contents fed into the news feed on Facebook).

View more commentsArrow down menu
#94

Online Campaign

Online Campaign

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#95

That Gentleman Bought You A Drink

That Gentleman Bought You A Drink

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#96

Stroll

Stroll

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
lorenzpacis avatar
Lorenz Pacis
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't see the thought provoking symbolism here. "Oh no! The street is covered in bacteria! WHO KNEW? Looks like we gotta take our shoes off when we enter the house!" Can someone explain?

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#97

Easter In A Hurry

Easter In A Hurry

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#98

Game

Game

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
unbeldivbva avatar
Helen Leeds
Community Member
5 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems pretty accurate based on the kids around my neighborhood and my nieces

View more commentsArrow down menu
#99

Mona Bipolar

Mona Bipolar

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
#100

Isolation Age

Isolation Age

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST
See Also on Bored Panda
#101

Surveys Á La Carte

Surveys Á La Carte

Angel Boligán Report

Add photo comments
POST