The “Niko Nikolla” Cartoon Biennial has drawn 255 cartoonists from 53 countries to Tirana, presenting 709 works that now place the Albanian capital firmly on the world cartoon map.

The central theme for these artists, many of whom contribute to major global media outlets, was life as portrayed through the unique perspective of Dritan Abazović, the first Albanian Prime Minister of Montenegro. These works explored his personal and political image, characterized by his distinctive curls, political and human nuances, and the fresh perspectives his governance and activism have brought to the region and beyond.

A secondary theme focused on the co-existence with digital technology, which has profoundly transformed societies over the past 20 years, now impacting 50% of the population in developed nations.

Artists from across the globe, including from China, Ukraine, Brazil, Indonesia, Serbia, and Kosovo, depicted Abazović in a varied array of portraits, celebrating a figure who represents historical change in Montenegro.

An esteemed international jury, led by visual arts dean Bujar Kapexhiu and renowned Bulgarian cartoonist Valentin Pavlov, awarded prizes during a ceremony held at the national television hall.

Executive Director Flora Nikolla and the jury awarded the following:

• The “Nikolla Family” Prize went to Asier Sanz from Spain for a portrait of Dritan Abazović.
• First Prize was awarded to Wolter Toscano from Peru.

For the theme Living in a Digital World:

• First Prize went to Michel Moro Gomez from Cuba.

Additionally, three special awards were given for each category.

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