Armengol Tolsà Badia, who goes by the pen name Ermengol, has earned the Notario Humor Prize from the University of Alicante. The ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, November 23 at 1:00 PM in the Aifos Hall on campus, located in the Philosophy and Literature Building III. The recognition highlights a long-standing tradition of celebrating graphic humor that intersects with social topics and public discourse. University officials emphasize the event as part of a broader cultural program that showcases wit, talent, and the power of humor to illuminate complex issues. This year the prize ceremony will be attended by the vice-rector for Culture, Sports and University Extension, Catalina Iliescu, as well as the cartoonist Enrique Perez, who has played a pivotal role in organizing the UA Social Humor exhibition since its inception. In addition to the award recipient, numerous cartoonists participate in this year’s exhibit, reflecting a collaborative spirit that underpins the event’s ongoing success. FECO-Spain, the Federation of Spanish Cartoonists, collaborates with the University of Alicante to present the Social Humor exhibition, which invites audiences to engage with humor as a lens on public health and social matters. The exhibition first opened on November 2 and remains accessible in the Aifos Hall through November 30. It features fifty works by forty-four cartoonists from Spain, Europe, and the Americas, all offering humorous perspectives on timely health and societal issues. Juli Sanchís, president of FECO-Spain, notes that public health demands reform and adequate resources so that healthcare is accessible to all, not just a privileged few. The exhibition aims to spark dialogue about how health systems respond to real needs and how humor can reveal gaps in policy and practice. Information about the event is presented as part of the Social Humor initiative, which has grown into a national reference for graphic humor through the years. The cycle consistently invites artists to comment on contemporary topics with intelligence, insight, and a sense of social responsibility, encouraging viewers to consider a wide range of issues with a critical yet approachable lens. The program has historically drawn attention to themes such as youth unemployment, gender-based mistreatment, corruption, discrimination, the value of reading, and broader questions about values and social change. Through humor and irony, these works explore the roots of social development and the pressures that shape public life, inviting audiences to reflect on how society can respond to challenges. The result is a dynamic collection that remains relevant across generations and borders, emphasizing shared human experiences through visual storytelling. A national audience has come to regard the Social Humor cycle as a benchmark for graphic satire that speaks to current events while remaining mindful of cultural diversity and regional perspectives. The show’s breadth allows viewers to observe how different artists, working in varied media, approach a common set of concerns, offering multiple angles on the relationship between health, power, and everyday life. The experience fosters a conversation about how humor can inform policy discussions and inspire constructive critique, rather than merely entertain. The exhibition’s persistence demonstrates the enduring appeal of witty commentary grounded in social awareness. Characteristic of the cycle is its willingness to address sensitive topics with nuance and care, balancing humor with responsibility as it invites audiences to examine the status quo without losing sight of compassion and humanity. The overall impact is a broader public appreciation for how cartoons can capture the mood of a moment while prompting deeper inquiry into the forces shaping health care and social policy. A sense of purpose underpins the entire enterprise, creating a space where art meets advocacy and laughter becomes a vehicle for reflection and potential reform. The annual event thus serves as both a celebration of artistic achievement and a catalyst for civic dialogue on crucial health issues that touch every community. information attribution University of Alicante
Armengol Tolsà Badia, known in the art world as Ermengol, hails from Canals in the Córdoba province of Argentina and has called Lleida home since 1985. His career began with work in the historic Hortensia magazine at the age of 18, after which he relocated to Catalonia, the homeland of his parents, grandparents, and now his children. A multidisciplinary artist, Ermengol has cultivated a diverse practice that spans graphic humor, caricature, illustration, drawing, sculpture, and visual poetry. His breadth of experience illustrates a commitment to exploring social themes through visual storytelling, revealing how humor can illuminate serious subjects while remaining accessible and engaging to a broad audience. His lifelong exploration of form and narrative has positioned him as a versatile voice within the field, capable of addressing a wide spectrum of ideas with clarity and personality. information attribution University of Alicante
Enrique Perez, a prominent figure in the world of cartooning, has contributed to a number of well-known publications throughout his career. His work has appeared in El Jueves, Playboy, Segre, and Diari d’Andorra, among others. Perez has also directed the satirical magazine La Quera and supported the Humoràlia association, which organizes a graphic humor competition named in his honor that emphasizes human rights themes. In 1993, he received the Mingote Award from the ABC newspaper, recognizing his skill in blending wit with social commentary. Today, his cartoons are featured in a variety of newspapers and media outlets, including La Mañana, Nube, Territoris, Borges Blanques, Almacelles, and Vadefruita, with occasional appearances on television. His ongoing work continues to contribute to the public conversation by offering humorous perspectives on current events and cultural issues. information attribution University of Alicante