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Art isn't created just to please our eyes; it also transfers ideas and provokes thought on social problems. Austrian cartoonist Gerhard Haderer has been producing satirical illustrations and cartoons for adults for decades now, highlighting the awful problems with society.

Gerhard Haderer had even faced the court for one of his brutally honest books, The Life of Jesus. It triggered violent reactions, because of the society problems discussed in it, in Europe, especially from the Catholic Church. The story culminated in 2005 when Haderer was convicted in Greece for insulting the religious community and was given a six-month suspended sentence in absentia. A few months later, however, this verdict was corrected on appeal, and Gerhard Haderer was acquitted.

The artist developed his realistic style when working as a graphic designer and illustrator for advertising agencies early in his career. It wasn't until a cancer operation in 1985 when Gerhard abandoned his commercial dreams and became a freelance caricaturist and satirical illustrator, mainly focusing on social issues. Scroll down to check out his unsettling and at times scary cartoons and vote for your favorites.

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#1

Satirical Illustrations

GerhardHaderer Report

EM
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did you know that a couple of years ago, there were more selfie related deaths than shark related deaths?

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    #2

    Satirical Illustrations

    GerhardHaderer Report

    stellermatt
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this happens so much at live concerts, just put the damn phone down and enjoy the experience!

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    #3

    Satirical Illustrations

    GerhardHaderer Report

    Phil.
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actually even a put-on smile can lift your mood, say neuro-scientists.

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    #4

    Satirical Illustrations

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    #5

    Satirical Illustrations

    GerhardHaderer Report

    Ola Antosik
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This I do not understand. I like reading books in paper but there is nothing wrong with electronic editions. If anything, they are more eco friendly. It is still the same activity just different medium.

    Michelle Line
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think the point is that everyone is shocked to see an actual newspaper.

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    Paula Cohen
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The satire is not that the man is reading a paper, the satire is that everyone else is absolutely STUNNED that someone might still actually want to read an actual paper made of...paper! The human tendency to conform is so huge that one only has to look around on the street and see everyone -- and I mean everyone! -- either with earbuds or earphones blocking their ability to hear what's going on around them, and their eyes glued to their smartphones. What a waste of life! No one sees or hears anyone or anything else any longer. I work in a college, and the students no longer know how to make eye contact, or how to speak to anyone else, particularly those who are older than they are. They no longer know how to answer the phone, because they've never received a phone call from someone other than those that they know, so they don't know how to say, "Hello, this is Susan at the ABC Shop. May I help you?" It's that lemming-like tragedy that the artist is satirizing!

    Bag Of Donuts
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm the one in the train reading a book. All other people seem to be on the phone or listening to music. Do they ever rest or reflect?

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    Eric Mikalo
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They are all the same. the only difference is the medium. Neither the one with the electronics nor with the newspaper is actually being any social.

    Kristel
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is another way to look at it. But my idea is that the artist portrayed this as how everyone with the electronic devices are shocked at the one man reading a newspaper. Because so many people use electronics today. You have a point, but I don't think (in my humble opinion) that this piece was about socializing.

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    Sykz
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The new norm and the rebel.

    Paul Leeson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. The generation speaks. When you are with someone having a meal, it is considered RUDE to plant your nose in a newspaper, or urgently , these days, plant your nose in a “device”. The fact that most are having trouble seeing the humour speaks volumes.

    Alan Mackay
    Community Member
    6 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yep , only your interpretation is valid. sweet irony considering the art.

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    mike harkleroad
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it is more of the source of news. Internet aggregators and posters vs actual journalists.

    Lisa Howard-Leandre
    Community Member
    6 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husbnd bought me a soft cover novel for x-mas this year. He told me that one of his favorite memories from when we were young was sitting and watching me while i read book after book... He asked why I stopped reading, Really dude? .We had children happened! Id love to read this book however , if i do get a break for a chapter or two, my husband will not be admiring me...he will need to look after the kids! LMAO. Was thoughtful gift tho honey. Thx 💜

    Lisa Georgette
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this one! I'd be the ONE reading the paper.

    Nick P
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hahaha. An Analog watch in the digital age.

    CacTusy
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love to read good old newspapers

    Ann Ros'a
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Newspaper? What is a newspaper?? LOL

    Nikki
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ahhh... But sometimes Luddites are the most interesting ones. If there is anyone one worthy of having a conversation, i reckon it's the old boy with the newspaper.

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    Silvia John
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the internet or even the power suddenly goes out, everyone will look like idiots. Except for one. He can continue reading his newspaper in a relaxed manner.

    Tee Hee
    Community Member
    5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is so stupid. You can literally read the news on your phone or computer. It’s obvious that people are staring at him because he’s such a dinosaur boomer who refuses to get with the times.

    Ronny Vårdal
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm mostly chocked over the number of users not using their trackpad

    Heather Cox
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get this reaction every time people see me using a payphone and pull out my address book

    Morningstar Quaid
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Has everything to do with age, Plus when the paper has been read there nothing left, So you don't loose yourself for hours like you do on the net,

    Morningstar Quaid
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Has to do with age and your own comfort , Reading the paper is a fraction and that factors into comfort , Plus when your done reading the paper there is nothing left , So you don't get hooked for hours like you do on the net

    Connie Martin
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This cartoonist is really very good, isn't he?! Most on BP are...not.

    Claire Armstrong
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sorry, I'm a bit of an oddity in this day and age when it comes to books! Personally, I don't think you can beat the feeling of sitting with your book in your hand, the feel of it, the weight of it, the smell of it - old and new books alike! I just love it! I understand and appreciate the benefits of ebooks - they save space (my spare room has piles of books everywhere, so many that my man is adamant we're never moving house as he refuses point blank to move them because of the weight lol!), have all your books available at the touch of a finger, etc, etc! But for me personally, you can't beat sitting with a book in your hands! I love it, and doubt very much I'd ever change lol!

    Karianne McDaniel
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We are all going to go blind if we rely solely on reading from electronic devices... My vision has already worsened. Myopia is on the rise in our youth (globally). I much prefer reading from a book than on any device.

    Frank Ringhofer
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It seems to me like the man with the paper is being just a rude as the other patrons, just with a different format.

    Cathy Bonds Jackson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I perfer an actual paper (same goes for books) I like the tactile aspect of it, and how much easier it is to scan through looking for articles of interest. It makes me sad to see them go away, even though I know it's better for the environment.

    Kaafueda Vanderpuye
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least paper can be recycled = ECO-FRIENDLY. I-phones .....not so much..

    Matt Lomax
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The problem is the media! On a paper tomorrow's chip paper! On a device it's there for good even if it's wrong!which is most of the time!

    Erica Alvarez
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is supposed to envoke the feeling of nostalgia for simpler days gone by and how seeing someone reading an actual paper or using a real telephone is an anomaly

    Diana Burke-Knapp
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nice; love the hypocrisy; people glaring are doing the equivalent .

    Fannie Toner
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it is interesting that science, industry, commerce, society -- all force innovations on the public at large, and then mock the public at large for using those innovations.

    Steve Prince
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ola, I believe this illustrates how the old man is stuck in his old ways while the younger people have embraced the new.

    Steve Prince
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ola, I think this illustrates the old man is stuck in his old ways while the younger people embrace the new.

    Phya Furusawa
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Paper is the best. No worries about electricity or battery level 🙊

    Glenn Yates
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I experienced this waiting in the Dr. waiting room.I haden’t Had time to read the newspaper at home so took it with me. I could feel the thought interruption in the people around me when I CARFULLY turned the page. I like e-books too. But this was kinda sad.

    Don Calhoun
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is true. The artist is portraying what happens when society as a whole embraces electronics and looks astonished at someone who refuses to change and blindly follow the masses into the abyss of social media.

    Nomi MirXa
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Y every single guy with laptop has mouse with it ...........it shows cartoonist knowledge of technology 😂😂😂

    Brenda Gay
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s me. Except we don’t read at the table, we actually talk to each other during the meal. I still have subscriptions to newspapers and magazines.

    Doug
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This must be old. No takes laptops out any more, just the cell phones.

    Doug
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This must be old. No one has laptops with them anymore at a meal, just cell phones.

    athornedrose
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    a lady on my bus once yelled at an older man (but younger than her) for chastising a student with a cell phone because "that kid could at least see me to say good morning, but you have the whole newspaper up over your face, you can't see anything!"

    Goetz Heinen
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trackpad, no trackpad... mouse, no mouse, ... print, no print. btw. the "carbon foot print" is not any better when using electronic devices

    Eve Millington
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A newspaper like a book can be shared and read by countless people without the use of energy and arguably last for centuries. Unless you're powering your laptop / PC / phone on solar, you're not as eco-friendly. And don't forget to toss them for the latest technology every few years.

    Dick van der Velde
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it is to represent how we as a community would find it rude that someone would read a newspaper at the dining table yet tablets and such are more or less accepted while they basically are the same.

    Linda Granata-Tuminello
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nothing like a real book for me. Love the feel the smell. I find reading electronically uncomfortable. Maybe i am old fashioned. To each his own

    Karen Robey
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No eye contact, no verbal communication, total loss of humanity to machines.

    Chineze Ofodile
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What looks odd, is that no group/table or individuals are having a discussion. At least, of what’s in the news.

    Wint Russell
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like this in the coffee shop.

    Kathy Summerfelt Gallup
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get this look a lot ,I take a book every where.

    Barbara Daniels
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I need to turn the page, love books!

    Alan Wolfe
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you do realize how many finite and environmentally hostile products go into making a computer, do you not? Paper resources, properly managed, are infinite and infinitely renewable. manual reading from a tactile, interpersonal source also helps seat the information in your mind and engages you far more deeply than reading on an electronic screen. That i s beyond the semantics however, of the actual image the artist displays for your perusal

    Mike Mader
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don’t get this one...technology advances. Haven’t read a physical paper in years.

    Kari Hadley
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would be the one with the paper.

    John MacDonald
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The point is that this is “supposed” to be a restaurant, not an office (note the tables, not desks). Everybody is looking at their laptops so that they don’t have to talk to, look at, or even acknowledge the other people in the room.

    Jhecka Samson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    people think that reducing the use of paper is an eco-friendly way but the largest percentage of garbage comes from electronic gadgets plus the use of electricity causes air pollution not where you plug it but from the power plants where the source of electricity comes from...

    Jordy Star
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    says this while we are all reading this on some kind of electronic device

    Carol Widlewski
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Older man reading the paper, younger people on lap tops...times have changed.

    adiana
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I still prefer reading an actual paper/book/magazine than off the gadget. The feel is different. And I actually retain the information that I got from it.

    Jan Virtue
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The younger generation is into tech more than the older ones. They don't understand why he's still reading the paper when they're all on laptops, etc. But any smart person knows that these gadgets were created to keep you distracted. And all this man wants to do is read the paper. Not pay attention to distractions. He goes at his pace and entertains what he wants to. Nice.

    Micky Bishop
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like they’ve never seen one before!

    Gary Carper
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's how I feel when i take a book or magazine into a coffee shop.

    Aaron Buckie
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is everyone making the assumption that the people on the laptops are reading the paper?

    Christian Schwendemann
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    hidden fun fact: no one uses a wireless mouse, fat laptops, no obvious MacBooks, its not a starbucks... guess the year :P :D

    Karen Drucks
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the truth too..........book and magazines and newspapers are virtually extinct...........

    Crab babies
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How is NOT reading the newspaper something wrong with society? It saves just a tiny bit more trees by not printing as much paper as went into it before. Was this picture taken at this cafe before the invention of pc and internet then everyone would have their own newspaper each and there would be no difference! This picture is a failure!

    Barbi Lucas
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have seen people sitting four to a table, each on his own phone/tablet. What has happened to conversation?

    Sandy Baker
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The point is that no one is enjoying the food at a nice restaurant!

    chachkimooch
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why aren't any of them using their track pads? lol

    Greg Schaper
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I so miss sitting down with the paper and a cup of coffee in the mornings.

    My O My
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Look, he is the only one not working while drinking his coffee

    earringnut
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    nothing wrong here. it's just a type of medium for information.

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    #6

    Satirical Illustrations

    GerhardHaderer Report

    Daniel Losinger
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Timeline: Catholic Church's sex abuse scandals https://www.cnn.com/2017/06/29/world/timeline-catholic-church-sexual-abuse-scandals/index.html

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    #7

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    Michelle Line
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, at least it looks like they're all getting along.

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    #8

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    Mika N
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've heard it said, how ironic it is that often times today, family time is getting everyone to put down their small screens and all look at the same big screen for a while.

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    #9

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    Phil.
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    same with our used clothes which we graciously "donate"

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    #10

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    Sarah Miller
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not seeing this as a "fast food/obesity" thing, more like a CEO or corporate leader just greedily eating funds. Fat in wealth kind of thing

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    #11

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    stellermatt
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you can roll a piece of s**t in glitter, it's still a piece of s**t.

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    #13

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    EM
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I thought that there would be more fish."

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    #14

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    #16

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    Ben S.
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He can't escape his reality, even in his day-dreams...

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    #17

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    Hilliary Smith
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I immediately thought that the commando in the middle thinks in black and white, and reality is all sorts of colors.

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    #20

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    Meep
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh god I'm reading this on the toilet at work

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    #21

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    #22

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    Çalıkuşu
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    George Orwell- Animal Farm: ''Twelve voices were shouting in anger, and they were all alike. No question, now, what had happened to the faces of the pigs. The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which."

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    #23

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    Chris Daemon
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Context, variation on Albrecht Dürer's Praying Hands.

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    #26

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    Sykz
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Enough money you can do anything.

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    #27

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    Vlad Horobet
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not sure how many people knew this, but there is a forth monkey in this series. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil and do no evil.

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    #28

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    Oli Wolfe
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No!!! How will you get the ball back now!

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    #30

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    earringnut
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this would be even better with teachers.

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    #31

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    Lua boots
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Holidays...so many people leaves at same time...so they get stuck on the road..,and they spend half of their vac waiting on the car...sad...reality

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