Colombian editorial cartoonist Vladdo will take center stage at the upcoming “Trazos, política y caricatura” (Strokes, Politics, and Caricature) forum, scheduled for August 19 in Bogotá. Organized by Noticias RCN, La República, and the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, the event brings together participants to discuss geopolitics, state power, democratic tolerance, and the cultural impact of graphic satire in public debate.

The morning symposium runs from 8:30 a.m. to midday at the Auditorio Alfonso Quintana S.J. within the university’s Edificio Jorge Hoyos. Designed as a deep dive into the intersection of art, media, and governance, the forum features two main panel discussions before concluding with a special book presentation commemorating four decades of the illustrator’s professional career.

Geopolitics and Regional Perspectives on the Global Stage

The morning’s first panel, titled “La geopolítica y la mirada de la región hacia el mundo” (Geopolitics and the Region’s View of the World), kicks off at 9:00 a.m. According to event organizers, the discussion centers on how Latin America interprets international conflicts, diplomatic shifts, and global economic pressures.

Joining Vladdo on the opening panel are Sergio Díaz-Granados and Fabián Cárdenas. Fernando Quijano, director of the prominent economic newspaper La República, will moderate the conversation. The panel aims to connect international relations with domestic political realities, offering attendees a comprehensive view of foreign policy challenges currently shaping South America.

Satire, Censorship, and Democratic Tolerance Under the Microscope

At 10:00 a.m., the focus shifts inward for the second panel of the day: “La piel del poder: sátira, censura y tolerancia democrática” (The Skin of Power: Satire, Censorship, and Democratic Tolerance). This session tackles the friction between political authorities and independent humorists, addressing the delicate boundaries of free expression.

The panel features Luis Carlos Reyes and Juan Ramos alongside Vladdo, with moderation led by José Manuel Acevedo, director of Noticias RCN.

By bringing together regulators, journalists, and visual satirists, the panel provides a rare cross-sector examination of how power structures react when subjected to unsparing artistic scrutiny.

Four Decades of Visual Commentary and ‘Trazos del Mundo’

The morning’s events culminate in an official book launch for Vladdo’s latest publication, Trazos del Mundo (Strokes of the World), scheduled from 10:45 a.m. to midday. The newly released volume gathers a curated collection of the artist’s recent work, marking a milestone in his professional journey.

The book’s release coincides with two significant career anniversaries: the celebration of Vladdo’s 40 years in professional journalism and graphic satire, and the one-year milestone of his dedicated multimedia and print section bearing the same name within Noticias RCN.