Joaquín Salvador Lavado Tejón | Joaquín Salvador Lavado Tejón (Spouse: Alicia Colombo)
known worldwide by the nickname Quino, was an Argentine cartoonist and one of the most beloved Spanish-language humorists in history. He was given the nickname “Quino” from childhood to distinguish him from his uncle, Joaquín, a painter and graphic designer who inspired his career.
Quino is most famous for creating the comic strip Mafalda, which ran from 1964 to 1973. Through the eyes of a 6-year-old girl who hated soup and loved the Beatles, Quino delivered sharp, sophisticated, and deeply humanistic social commentary. Mafalda became a global phenomenon, particularly in Latin America and Europe, translated into over 30 languages. Despite the strip’s short original run, its themes of world peace, democracy, and the struggle of the middle class remain timelessly relevant.
After ending Mafalda, Quino moved toward a more surreal and cynical form of “silent” humor. His later books of caricatures and cartoons explored the absurdity of human nature, power dynamics, and technology with a meticulous, fine-lined drawing style. His work often carried a bittersweet tone, reflecting his belief in the inherent contradictions of society.
Throughout his career, he received numerous honors, including the Prince of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities and the Legion of Honour from France. Quino’s legacy is that of an artist who used the simplicity of a comic strip to tackle the most complex philosophical questions of the 20th century.
Active in others filds : Graphic Humor, Advertising Illustration (early career), Editorial Cartooning.
