Ed Sheeran is getting hammered by artists for dumping Macklemore from his Loop Tour after the rapper made a speech against the genocide in Gaza. The singer is being mocked for his music, his lyrics, and even the selection of TIME100 Art. Political cartoonist Benjamin Slyngstad drew Sheeran singing to a missile, and Chicago cartoonist Jesse Duquette wrote that his music is “the second worst thing” about him. The backlash is spreading across memes, illustrations, and satire.
Openers Are Gone
Sheeran pulled Macklemore from the Loop Tour after the rapper delivered a speech against the genocide in Gaza. That decision has drawn sharp criticism from artists who see it as a retreat. The move came as Sheeran faced pressure over his own stance on the conflict.
The cartoonists are not subtle. Slyngstad’s drawing features the caption “I’m in love with the shape of you” said to the missile. Duquette’s illustration suggests that Sheeran’s music has become secondary to his cowardice. Both artists are working within a tradition of satire that uses visual humor to call out hypocrisy.
Lyrics Are Mockable
The cartoons are also playing on Sheeran’s famously simple songwriting. Duquette’s caption suggests that the music itself has become a problem, separate from the tour decision. The implication is that Sheeran’s songs are so bland or obvious that they are almost embarrassing.
Staff Writer Anna Lee rounded up some of the best artworks calling out Sheeran’s cowardice. The lampoons target his lyrics as much as his actions. The satirical drawing is one of a flurry of artistic responses to Sheeran’s decision.
TIME100 Art Question
Valentina Di Liscia wades into the mixed bag of the TIME100 Art list in this week’s edition of Art Movements. Her review covers Amy Sherald shining on the magazine’s list, Artadia naming a new director, and more. The section also touches on Johnny Depp’s awfulness.
The pairing of Amy Sherald and Trump’s favorite Christian speed painter on the list is odd, to say the least. Di Liscia’s review points to the uneven quality of the magazine’s selections. The question of why these two artists appear together remains unanswered in the review.
What Artists Are Saying
The cartoons are not just jokes. They are a form of protest that uses humor to make a point. Slyngstad’s drawing turns Sheeran’s music into a kind of anthem for war. Duquette’s illustration suggests that Sheeran’s cowardice is visible in everything he does, including his songs.
The cartoons are circulating widely online, which means the message is reaching a broad audience. Protest art has a long history of using satire to criticize power. These images are part of that tradition, even if they are smaller in scale.
Broader Context
The backlash comes at a moment when artists are questioning institutional choices. The TIME100 Art list is not the only selection under scrutiny. Di Liscia’s review of the list raises questions about curatorial judgment.
| Artist | Work |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Slyngstad | Satirical drawing |
| Jesse Duquette | Cartoon illustration |
| Valentina Di Liscia | Art Movements review |
The cartoons are a form of protest that uses humor to make a point. They are also a reminder that artists can respond quickly to events. The drawings were created in response to Sheeran’s decision.
Reaction So Far
The cartoons have drawn attention online. They are being shared, commented on, and discussed. The memes are doing what satire does best: they are making people laugh while they think.
The cartoons are not the first time artists have targeted Sheeran. His music has been mocked before, and his public statements have drawn criticism. The cartoons are part of a pattern of artists responding to cultural figures.
Verdict on the Cartoons
The cartoons are effective because they are funny. They use Sheeran’s own words and images against him. Slyngstad’s drawing shows Sheeran singing to a missile, which is a direct reference to his hit songs. Duquette’s illustration plays on the idea that Sheeran’s music is trivial compared to his actions.
The cartoons are also pointed. They are not just jokes. They are a form of criticism that uses humor to make a point. The satirical drawing is one of a flurry of artistic responses to Sheeran’s decision.
Here is how the criticism breaks down:
- Slyngstad’s satirical drawing pairs Sheeran’s hit song lyrics with the image of a missile.
- Duquette’s cartoon illustration argues that Sheeran’s music has become secondary to his cowardice.
- Staff Writer Anna Lee’s roundup targets Sheeran’s lyrics as much as his actions.
- Valentina Di Liscia’s review questions the pairing of Amy Sherald and Trump’s favorite Christian speed painter on the TIME100 Art list.
The cartoons are part of a larger wave of artistic responses to Sheeran’s decision.
Source material: “Ed Sheeran Should Stop Thinking Out Loud,” Hyperallergic.
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