Creative Tabriz Artist Earns Global Recognition Among 1,663 Works from 66 Countries
In a striking global achievement for Iranian visual satire, Atefeh Yaryan, a cartoonist from Tabriz, Iran, has won second prize in the 3rd International Cartoon Contest “Every Drop of Water Matters” organized by Cultuursmakers in Belgium.
A Global Conversation on Water Through Art
The Cultuursmakers competition — held in Belgium and focused on the theme “Every Drop of Water Matters!” — drew 1,663 submissions from artists in 66 countries. Organizers invited cartoonists worldwide to translate the complex challenges of water scarcity and environmental stress into visual narratives that engage, provoke and inspire.
Yaryan’s winning entry, which addresses the critical depletion of groundwater resources, captured the attention of the international jury. Her work stood out among hundreds of selected pieces and earned her the second‑place award, a remarkable accomplishment on a global stage.
Exhibition Travels Across Belgium
Her artwork, along with 26 other selected cartoons, is currently on public display in the town library of Sint‑Gillis‑Rode (Sint‑Gensius‑Rode), Belgium, through 21 February 2026. After this date, the exhibition will continue its cultural journey across Flanders and Brussels, visiting libraries, cultural centers and public venues as part of a touring showcase aimed at fostering dialogue about water conservation and sustainable use.
Prize Winners Across Borders
In this year’s competition, the awards were distributed among a diverse group of international artists:
- 🥇 First Prize: Jerzy Stepniak (Poland)
- 🥈 Second Prize: Atefeh Yaryan (Iran)
- 🥉 Third Prize: Alessandro Gatto (Italy)
- 🏅 Best Flemish Cartoon: Stefan Provin (Belgium)
The results highlight the diversity of perspectives in contemporary cartoon art and reflect a shared commitment to social and environmental themes.
A Career of International Acclaim
A member of the Tabriz Cartoonists Association, Atefeh Yaryan began her professional cartooning career in 2013 and has since earned numerous national and international accolades. Her past honors include:
- 🥇 Golden Award at the International Cartoon Festival of Kosovo (2018)
- 🏆 Prize at the Brazil International Cartoon and Caricature Contest (2015)
- 🎖 Special Jury Prize at the Turkey International Cartoon Competition (2014)
- 🥈 Second place in the Tehran Productivity Cartoon Competition
- Recognition in the Tehran International Urban Issues Cartoon Exhibition
In 2014, Yaryan was named Top Female Cartoonist of Tabriz, and her cartoons — known for their visual wit and thoughtful engagement with topics from environmental issues to social dynamics — have been featured in exhibitions and catalogues around the world.
From: borna