With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of the great and influential cartoon and caricature artist Damir Novak, born in 1960 in Croatia and passed away in 2026. An artist whose name and works transcended borders, he left a lasting imprint on the collective memory of the world’s visual satire. We honor his memory and, in gratitude for his years of creative, courageous, and humane dedication, keep his name alive in our hearts.

Damir Novak was not merely an outstanding cartoonist, but a committed and conscious human being who used the universal language of cartoon and caricature to express profound human values. Through the organization of important artistic events in Croatia and his active presence on the international stage, he played a significant role in promoting peace, coexistence, and human dialogue. He demonstrated that visual satire can be a powerful tool against violence, war, and injustice.

This great artist deeply believed that a single image can sometimes speak more eloquently than thousands of words. With an intelligent, humane, and responsible perspective, his works elevated humor beyond mere amusement, transforming it into a medium for awareness, social critique, and the defense of human values.

Undoubtedly, the loss of artists like Damir Novak inflicts a serious wound on the body of visual satirical art. His absence is not only the loss of an individual, but the disappearance of a part of the experience, thought, and ethical foundation upon which this art form relies. Yet his works and the path he drew will continue to inspire future generations.

May his memory be honored, his name endure, and his humane path remain a guiding light for those who follow.

Massoud Shojai Tabatabai
Director of irancartoon website