was born on June 15th, 1933

Predrag Koraksi Corax: The Serrated Pen of Serbian Satire

A Life of Caricatures and Commentary

Predrag Koraksi Corax, known simply as Corax, is a Serbian political caricaturist renowned for his biting satire and piercing commentary on contemporary Serbian politics. With a career spanning over seven decades, Corax has established himself as one of the most prominent and influential cartoonists in Serbia, using his art to critique and lampoon the country's political elite.

A Turbulent Childhood

Born on June 15, 1933, in Gornja Gorevnica, Corax's life was marked by turmoil from an early age. His father, Stojan, a teacher and Partisan Movement leader, was killed by Chetniks in 1941, forcing Corax to spend four years as a refugee. This formative experience would later influence his artistic perspective and inform his critique of political power.

The Art of Satire

Corax's cartoons are masterclasses in satire, using humor and irony to skewer politicians and expose the hypocrisy of the Serbian political establishment. He rarely uses written text, relying instead on his exceptional caricature skills to convey the message. This approach has earned him a reputation as a fearless commentator on Serbian politics, with his strips frequently published in prominent newspapers and magazines.

Publications and Accolades

Corax has published several books, including Past Continuous Tense (Trajno prolo vreme) and The Phenomenon of Rusty Spoon (Fenomenologija zarale kaike), which chronicle Serbian political life from 1990 to 2016 through caricatures. His work has been featured in publications such as Večernje novosti, Borba, and Danas, and he has been a member of the editorial board of Vreme magazine.

A Philosophy of Satire

Corax's approach to satire is guided by a philosophy of restraint, aiming to critique without offending or insulting. He believes that the best caricatures are those that are both humorous and thought-provoking, encouraging viewers to engage with the subject matter rather than simply reacting to it. This philosophy has earned him widespread respect and admiration in Serbia, where his cartoons are seen as essential reading for anyone interested in political commentary.

A Lasting Legacy

Corax's impact on Serbian politics and culture cannot be overstated. Through his cartoons, he has provided a unique perspective on the country's turbulent political history, offering a satirical lens through which to view the country's leaders and institutions. As a result, he has become an institution in his own right, an embodiment of the power of satire to challenge and critique those in power.