Date of Birth: October 27, 1958
Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
Biography
Jonathan Shapiro, widely known by his pen name Zapiro, is a renowned South African cartoonist whose work has left an indelible mark on the world of political and social commentary. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Shapiro’s work has been celebrated for its incisive satire and provocative style. He has contributed to various newspapers and magazines, including the Mail & Guardian, Sunday Times, and The Times. Shapiro’s cartoons have often sparked debate and controversy, reflecting his commitment to freedom of expression and his sharp critique of political figures and social issues. Shapiro’s journey into cartooning began during his university years at the University of Cape Town, where he studied architecture before switching to a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts. His involvement in the anti-apartheid movement profoundly influenced his work, leading him to use his art as a tool for activism. After completing his studies, he received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, which further honed his skills and broadened his horizons. Over the years, Shapiro has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Courage in Editorial Cartooning Award from the Cartoonists Rights Network International. His work has been compiled in several books, and he continues to be a significant voice in the realm of political cartooning.
5 Interesting Facts about Jonathan Shapiro
1. Jonathan Shapiro adopted the pen name Zapiro from his school nickname, “Zap.”
2. He was detained without trial under apartheid laws in South Africa in 1988.
3. Shapiro is known for his signature caricature of former President Jacob Zuma, often depicted with a showerhead on top of his head.
4. He has published over 20 collections of his cartoons.
5. Shapiro has been sued multiple times for his cartoons but has remained steadfast in his commitment to freedom of speech.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jonathan Shapiro
1. “Cartoons are a way of making people think, laugh, and see things differently.”
2. “Satire is the oxygen of democracy.”
3. “If my cartoons aren’t making someone uncomfortable, I’m not doing my job.”
4. “Freedom of expression is not just a privilege, it’s a necessity.”
5. “I’ve always believed that humor can be a powerful weapon against tyranny.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Jonathan Shapiro’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Jonathan Shapiro has two children, a son named Adam and a daughter named Tehila.
Relevant Links
1. [Zapiro’s Official Website](http://www.zapiro.com
2. [Jonathan Shapiro on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zapiro
3. [Zapiro’s Twitter](https://twitter.com/zapiro
4. [Zapiro’s Cartoons on Mail & Guardian](https://mg.co.za/tag/zapiro/
