Caricature artist draws his way into Malaysian Book of Records

GEORGE TOWN: Local artist Azmi Hussin created history today when his feat of drawing the most caricatures in 24 hours got him into the Malaysian Book of Records.
 
The 33-year-old became the first Malaysian to do so after churning out a total of 320 caricatures starting on Saturday morning at the sidewalk in front of Masjid Kapitan Keling here.
 
He said he was very happy to have completed the challenge and exceed his personal target of drawing 300 caricatures.
 
He added his initial worry that people will not come to have their caricature drawn turned out otherwise with more coming as word started to spread.
 
"There was a huge crowd just after midnight, they came after having their supper at the nearby nasi kandar stall," said the tired Azmi who had to also battle with having to keep awake.
 
"My hand started to shake about 2am but I was determined to press on," he said adding he only ate dates and drank coffee throughout the duration for energy.
 
Azmi hoped his success can raise the profile of caricature artists as they were underrepresented in the arts and encourage the authorities to give them a license to set up stalls along the sidewalks like in some European countries.
 
"I only have pens and an easel," the artist who also goes by ME added.
 
Azmi earlier received his feat certificate from Malaysia Book of Records Sdn Bhd Research and Marketing assistant manager Ayman Izzaz Mujab. Witnessing the feat was also Penang Local Government, Traffic Management and Flood Mitigation Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow whose caricature was the last to be drawn.
 
In congratulating Azmi and closing the ceremony, Chow hoped the achievement could be broken by another artist as it would show that progress has been made.