Cape Town-born famous cartoonist, Johnathan “Zapiro” Shapiro, has been awarded top honours alongside fellow outstanding creatives Johnny Clegg and Steven Spielberg.
Zapiro was awarded the highest honour for Arts in France, called the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres meaning, “Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters”. French Ambassador, Aurélien Lechevallier handed the award to Zapiro on behalf of the President Emmanuel Macron.
This amazing cartoonist is well-known by many in the Mother City and beyond for his quirky, politically charged illustrations and one-of-a-kind stylistic works featured in a number of newspapers and established publications.
A past student of the University of Cape Town, Zapiro surprisingly studied architecture before realising his passion and moving over the department of art. It was during his time spent in the army that he developed his political viewpoints that can reflect in his wildly popular cartoon drawing today.
Zapiro also joined a number of organisations to end army conscriptions as well as fight against the apartheid regime. He was lucky enough to receive a scholarship to study cartoons in New York and after a brief period of working there, became known for his cartoon style which is now regularly featured in the Daily Maverick.
Like many creatives out there, Zapiro’s artistic journey is not one without struggles. Over the years he has received a number of concerning comments regarding his work and even a few death threats. Now this inspiring cartoonist is being recognised for his outstanding work and is a shining example of hard work and dedication despite the negativity he was exposed to.
Zapiro receives France’s top cultural award: Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters) @FrenchEmbassyZA @dailymaverick ?????️ pic.twitter.com/ieyIK34UKg
— Zapiro (@zapiro) November 14, 2019
Here are a few of his pieces you might enjoy:
Zapiro’s cartoon @dailymaverick (12 November 2019) on Party Poopers @EFFSouthAfrica @Julius_S_Malema @FloydShivambu @AdvDali_Mpofu @MbuyiseniNdlozi @Springboks #RWC2019Champions – https://t.co/wl6LDl9Tbn pic.twitter.com/hZPv9ztJVg
— Zapiro (@zapiro) November 13, 2019
Way to go South Africa! #Bokke Looking forward to the final against England next week! #RWC2019! @Springboks https://t.co/2gyivvARhk pic.twitter.com/BNam7bq5i2
— Zapiro (@zapiro) October 28, 2019
Zapiro’s cartoon @dailymaverick (24 October 2019) on Wrecking Ball @helenzille @MmusiMaimane @AtholT @HermanMashaba @Our_DA – https://t.co/WH5S7YfbNa pic.twitter.com/SklvMUIOah
— Zapiro (@zapiro) October 25, 2019
Zapiro’s cartoon @dailymaverick (22 October 2019) on DA Road @Our_DA @helenzille @MmusiMaimane @HermanMashaba – https://t.co/spGdDUQ7tP pic.twitter.com/QJumf0QICn
— Zapiro (@zapiro) October 23, 2019
Zapiro’s cartoon published @dailymaverick (28 September 2019) on Climate Change @GretaThunberg @UNFCCC – https://t.co/NibuXcFgKq pic.twitter.com/DOPfhGfVU3
— Zapiro (@zapiro) October 1, 2019
Zapiro’s cartoon @dailymaverick (22 September 2019) on images to inspire a nation #RWC2019 #SABC @chestermw11 @NelsonMandela @SARugbymag – https://t.co/qmORnulDih pic.twitter.com/b0shvOBcBK
— Zapiro (@zapiro) September 25, 2019
Zapiro’s cartoon published @dailymaverick (1 August 2019) on Prospects #SouthAfricanUnemploymentStats @MYANC @CyrilRamaphosa – https://t.co/86RsZYeEHW pic.twitter.com/bXTXtN82nm
— Zapiro (@zapiro) August 2, 2019
Zapiro’s cartoon published @dailymaverick (18 July 2019) HAMBA KAHLE #RIPJOHNNYCLEGG @JohnnyCleggReal – https://t.co/E8cTdBm6uF pic.twitter.com/6T3JiT5wrS
— Zapiro (@zapiro) July 19, 2019
Picture: Facebook