The Ministry of Culture and Innovation is honoring Kossuth Prize-winning graphic artist Ferenc Sajdik, following the death of the acclaimed illustrator and cartoonist on Sunday at the age of 95.
Ferenc Sajdik, a Kossuth and Munkácsy Mihály Prize laureate, was best known as the creator of beloved Hungarian cartoon characters Pom Pom and Gombóc Artúr. A National Artist of Hungary, his unique style, instantly recognizable illustrations, and endearing, whimsical characters left an indelible mark on generations of readers and viewers.
Over the course of his prolific career, Ferenc Sajdik illustrated more than 300 books, particularly children’s literature and school textbooks. His humorous and often gently grotesque caricatures reached a wide audience through the satirical magazine Ludas Matyi, but it was his work in animation that cemented his popularity nationwide.
Collaborating with legendary children’s author István Csukás, Sajdik brought to life unforgettable animated figures such as Radírpók (Rubber Spider), Festéktüsszentő Hapci Benő (Benő Hapci, the Paint-Sneezer), and the clumsy, chocolate-obsessed bird Gombóc Artúr (Choco-Chubby Arthur) — all of whom became staples of Hungarian childhoods.
His contributions to Hungarian art and culture were widely recognized:
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1977: Munkácsy Mihály Prize
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1984: Szép Magyar Könyv (Beautiful Hungarian Book) Graphic Design Award
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1988: Named Meritorious Artist
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2006: Honorary Citizen of Budapest
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2012: Prima Primissima Prize
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2013: Kossuth Prize — awarded for his “instantly recognizable, uniquely styled drawings, lovingly grotesque and unmistakable characters, iconic animated films, and book illustrations.”
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2014: Hazám (My homeland) Prize
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2017: Hungarian Heritage Award
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2018: Honorary Citizen of Dunakeszi
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2023: Artist of the Nation
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2025: Libri Lifetime Achievement Award in the category of children’s literature.
With his passing, Hungary bids farewell to an artist whose work shaped not only its visual culture but also the imagination of countless children — and whose characters will long outlive their creator.
Via MTI; Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
The post Ferenc Sajdik, Icon of Hungarian Illustration and Animation, Passes Away at 95 appeared first on Hungary Today.
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