A TRUMP-inspired artwork has won Cartoon of the Year at the 2025 National Rotary Cartoon Awards, which were announced at The National Cartoon Gallery in Coffs Harbour on Saturday 6 September.
Rod Emerson’s “Pied Piper” – his take on the Trump administration’s influence on Capitol Hill – features an image of Donald Trump as a ratcatcher using his musical pipe to lure rodents towards the White House.
Mr Emmerson, who is the editorial cartoonist for the New Zealand Herald, was also awarded top gong in the special category “Trump That”.
The competition, now in its 37th year, is open to cartoonists and illustrators and run by the National Cartoon Gallery in conjunction with Rotary.
Gallery manager Bruce Nelson, said the cartoon was chosen because of its timely subject matter and execution.
“It’s very relevant, due to Trump’s dominance over the political landscape.
“The judges unanimously chose this cartoon, as it was wonderfully executed with minimal words, yet such a strong narrative.
“Despite the viewers being focused on the back of Trump’s head, the composition provides an instantly recognisable portrayal.”
This year’s awards attracted almost 250 cartoons from some of the best-known practitioners in Australia and New Zealand with categories including sport, politics, caricature and comic strip.
Other winners are:
Caricature: Michael Breen’s portrait of Wayne Bennett and Latrell Mitchell.
Sport: Tony Lopes’ take on clay pigeon shooting UFOs, causing the end of the world.
Politics: Christopher Downes’ view of the Coalition’s brief break up.
Comic Strip: Mark Lynch’s humorous take on “the chicken and the egg”.
Framing Room Prize: David Rowe’s poignant look at the Gaza strip.
The Awards presentation night had several cartoonists in attendance, notably Rod Emmerson (Cartoon of the Year and special category “Trump That!”), Mark Lynch (Sport Merit), Michael Breen (Caricature Winner), David Rowe (Caricature Merit, Framing Room Prize), and Tony Lopes (Sport Winner).
All entries are on display at the National Cartoon Gallery until the end of November.
By Andrea FERRARI
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