Marostica, 22 aprile 2026 

La “Hope” conquers the world, delivering a surprising and evocative edition. For the 52nd edition of Umoristi a Marostica, the prestigious international humorous graphics competition promoted by the Gruppo Grafico Marosticense, the International Grand Prix Scacchiera 2026 was awarded to Iranian artist Heibat Ahmadi, confirming the remarkable vitality of the Iranian artistic scene, which also stood out with Amir Dehghan, winner of the “Sandro Carlesso” Special Prize, and Nahid Maghsoudi, among the finalists of the International Prize. Iran’s presence once again proves to be one of the most significant and consistent in the history of the competition. For Italy, the “Marco Sartore” Special Prize goes to Francesca Vignaga (from Vicenza, Arzignano), while Bernardino Boifava (Vicenza) is among the finalists of the International Prize.

The International Award Umoristi a Marostica was jointly awarded to ten artists from as many countries: Ameen Alhabarah (Saudi Arabia), Bernardino Boifava (Italy), Bobisa Todorovic (Serbia), Eugene Grigoriev (Ukraine), Maciej Michalski (Poland), Mehmet Zeber (Turkey), Nahid Maghsoudi (Iran), Pol Leurs (Luxembourg), Toso Borkovic (Serbia) and Wouter Van Ghysegem (Belgium). Finally, the new award dedicated to Elena Xausa goes to Turkey, with Tuna Ceylan as the recipient. A world map that, through the universal language of graphic humor, shows how the theme of Hope can resonate across different cultures and sensibilities.

The works of the 396 artists were reviewed by the Jury, chaired by illustrator Mariagrazia “Gio” Quaranta and composed of Ferruccio Giromini, Maurizio Minoggio, Alessandro Tich, Roberto Ciufoli, Luca Raffaelli, together with representatives of the Fondazione Banca Popolare di Marostica Volksbank, the Municipality of Marostica, and the Gruppo Grafico Marosticense.

This year’s theme — Hope/Speranza — has crossed geographical and cultural boundaries, bringing together works from 62 countries worldwide. In an era marked by conflict, suffering, and deep injustice, hope has proven to be a necessary choice: not mere optimism, but an inner strength capable of sustaining human beings in the most difficult moments. Artists have interpreted it in surprising and moving ways, from drought to war, from the longing for freedom to the search for a safe haven, with many references to environmental issues.

Liliana Contin of the Gruppo Grafico Marosticense explains: «This year too, artists have managed to surprise, weaving new visions and at times overturning expectations. In their works, hope arises where something is missing: the need for water in arid land, the desire to breathe in a world holding its breath, the longing for freedom behind bars. Even where wars destroy, something endures — like storks returning to rebuild their nests, a stubborn symbol of rebirth. In such a harsh time marked by pain, even from lands wounded by war have come gentle voices, whispers of hope: the persistent dream of the end of conflicts, the fragile and luminous desire for a long-invoked peace. Because hope, ultimately, is what keeps faith in human potential alive and allows us to continue building, step by step, a better tomorrow — despite everything».