Award-winning political cartoonist Jon Kudelka dies from brain cancer
Award-winning political cartoonist Jon Kudelka has died from brain cancer, aged 53.
The much-loved and lauded artist died surrounded by family and friends in South Hobart on Sunday, his wife Margaret Kudelka confirmed in a statement.
"Jon was deeply loved and admired by many, including fellow Tasmanians, the legions of fans of his inimitable art, countless newspaper readers over 30 years, and even by the politicians he relentlessly skewered in his award-winning cartoons (many of whom have his work on their walls)," she said.
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Walkley award-winning cartoonist Jon Kudelka has died. Walkley Foundation
"He loved his family, friends, making art in many forms, and firmly calling out political and anti-science bulls--- with his typically dry wit and compassion."
Before his retirement, Kudelka worked as a cartoonist for The Australian for several decades.
His work also appeared in The Hobart Mercury and he was the author of three books: 101 Uses For A John Howard, Kudelka And First Dog's Spiritual Journey, and Hobart By Kudelka.
Kudelka's cartoon 'From the Heart', depicting Uluru as a fist with an upturned middle finger, captioned "Official Government Uluru Statement Response" won a Walkley Award in 2018 with the judges lauding it for powerfully capturing how many felt about the then-Turnbull government's dismissal of the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
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Kudelka in his shop in Tasmania. Jon Kudelka/Instagram
"Jon was diagnosed with glioblastoma in early 2024 and faced treatment for two years with positivity and hope, supported by his wife, Maggie, teenage children Kay and Oskar, sister Liesl, and his many friends," the family statement read.
"Jon believed in showing up fully for life and embracing humour even in the hardest of times.
"In the past two years, he was heard many times to say, ironically, "good times".
"Jon's presence remains in the love he gave and the lives he touched.
"He will always be with us."
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