Meet Allan Cavanagh: The Character Behind the Caricatures

From beach boardwalks to amusement parks, caricature artists have been bringing joy and entertainment through their art since the 1600s. You may have some butterflies at the thought of your likeness being exaggerated and seeing your facial features on full display, but according to Galway-based caricature artist Allan Cavanagh, the exaggeration is affirmation.

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In Donegal, Cavanagh grew up under the artistic influence of comics such as 2000 AD and Eagle, as well as political cartoons in newspapers that circulated around his family house. Political cartoonists have used the caricature style as a form of expression and protest for ages, and get to the heart and soul of who a person is according to Cavanagh.

“If a politician is made to look horrible, that's just coming from a caricaturist's honest eye.” Said Cavanagh. “We're like dogs in that regard, we're seldom wrong about people.”

But caricature work isn’t all big noses and unflattering expressions, in fact, at their core, caricatures are a beautiful representation of the soul of the person being depicted, and can be a heartfelt and thoughtful gift to both give and receive.

“Caricature is special because it's fun art for fun people; It's a gift that says 'look how much craic your family, friends and colleagues think you are!” Said Cavanagh. “Look at how many details they've noticed about you! It's an art form that reflects the warmth of that person and the regard they’re held in.”

above: photo courtesy of Allan Cavanagh

The process behind making a caricature might look a lot different than you may think, with most of the emphasis being placed on laying the basic building blocks rather than diving right into the fun details that give caricatures its defining characteristics.

“I'll let the images sit in my head and percolate for a bit, and a defining shape will emerge, it can literally be as simple as a rectangle.” Cavanagh said. “The facial features will start to arrange themselves inside this shape, all before I've drawn a line. It's all about starting with big shapes, never detail, that's the final final thing you add.”

After attending Art College in Galway, Cavanagh is now an established caricature artist doing everything from online commissions to live portraiture for events. He is also a major advocate for everyone to participate in art in some form or another.

“We get to see little of the joyous process behind creating art and we artists need to remedy this by broadcasting that art is good for you!” Cavanagh said. “Let me tell you a secret: Art is one mistake after another. Make enough of those mistakes you might even find yourself getting quite good at it. It's my firm belief we're here to make art so please treat yourself.”

Allan Cavanagh is Ireland’s top-rated caricature artist and is based right here in Galway. He accepts online order commissions as well as bookings for live events. Find out more about his work and availability here. 

Feature image by Black Diamond Photography