Meeting in Sintra on February 11, 12 and 13, 2008, the Jury
for the fourth World Press Cartoon event were presented with
a total of 563 works in full conformity with the
regulations. An overall total of 766 cartoons were received,
from 395 cartoonists, published in some 367 newspapers and
magazines in 67 different countries. Much to our regret,
some excellent quality work had to be excluded from
competition as it was not presented on its page of
publication (or either only a photocopy or digital
reproduction of the respective page was submitted). Others
were not accepted as they had either been published for the
first time prior to 2007 or because the originals displayed
differences to the published work. The regulations require
the sending of the original file in order to prove the
techniques involved where digital processes are used.
Unfortunately, some cartoonists merely sent the scan result
of the originals produced by traditional techniques.
The Jury hereby reiterates that the organisation cannot
jeopardise the position of all the entrants that meet
competition rules and requirements. Such stringency is
essential to the sustainable affirmation of the World Press
Cartoon reputation as an event of excellence. It is
essential that the authors provide proof of publication
within the terms of the regulations and print the entire
page with the date clearly visible.
The cartoonists who incorporate digital techniques into
their work are to submit the respective working file for
Jury analysis. This is in no way to hinder competition
participation but rather to best evaluate, handle and judge
the worth of the respective work. This is a competition for
originals and there is no better means than providing
detailed information, for ensuring more sustained and
informed jury decisions. The rising profile of World Press
Cartoon within the professional field has resulted from
efforts to foster continuous improvement, high standards and
the systematic application of criteria for quality. Thus is
it possible to guarantee respect for the specific nature of
the World Press Cartoon event, an annual exhibition of the
best printed graphic humour.
Over its three days of work, the Jury selected the works to
be included in the exhibition and the catalogue for each
category. The organisation further presented to the Jury,
for possible selection, works that while not meeting some
facet of the regulations did stand out for their quality.
Those works thereby selected are published in this catalogue
entitled OC (Out of Competition) and form part of the
exhibition. A total of 75 works make up the Caricature
category, with 175 Gag Cartoons and 153 Editorial Cartoons.
This adds up to a total of 403 works from 289 cartoonists,
submitted from 58 countries and published in 276 newspapers
and magazines. Of the 403 selected works, 63 are OC.
Despite extensive geographic and cultural coverage, as would
be expected given the defined objective of a universal scope
and range, it is always difficult not to overlook work from
more peripheral countries, where often the media may have
far more limited resorted or where freedom of expression is
still repressed or taking its first steps. However, quality
criteria should also be universal. For those who, perhaps
due to such reasons, were not included for selection this
year, a word of encouragement and an appeal to please come
back still stronger in 2009. We are certain that in studying
the standard set by the great cartoons featured in this
catalogue, as you progress in your artistic and editorial
creativity with talent and originality, the results of all
such efforts will be rewarded by inclusion in forthcoming
World Press Cartoon events.
The Jury attributed the nine awards and from the winners of
each category a Grand Prix was awarded. On the grounds of
outstanding graphical and editorial quality, twelve
honourable mentions were also attributed.
|
