Top South African cartoonist, Zapiro, received Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters) and has released his latest book, 'Zapiro Which Side is Up, Cartoons from Daily Maverick'.
I got to speak to him on my radio show, Talk At 9 on 702.
Zapiro is a global phenomenon and a role model for his cartooning peers and any aspiring cartoonist. He has a sharp eye and ability to capture social commentary using single frame layouts that speak volumes of the global, regional and local social, political and economic realities within society.
Applying his trade for the Daily Maverick, an online publication I proudly have been associated with up until recently, Zapiro has the ability to encapsulate his insightful observations and commentary that surpasses many analytical essays which surpass a thousand word count, in simple pictorial form.
He has courted controversy and continues to, however he can never be accused of shying away from important conversations - which is bitterly needed in South Africa, Africa and globally.
His cartoons stimulate thought, debate and discourse and is that not the ultimate responsibility of an artist, particularly one which holds a mirror to society?
For more on his work, and the chat we had on my radio show, listen to the podcast below:
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