Vitoria-Gasteiz — The Drawing and Illustration Market, known as Mazoka, is set to take place from December 18 to 20 at the Montehermoso Cultural Center. The deadline for applications to participate in its XI edition closed on September 21.
This event is organized by cultural managers Anuska Arbildi and Marta C Dehesa, with primary sponsorship from the Vitoria-Gasteiz City Council and support from the Provincial Council of Álava, the Basque Government, Laboral Kutxa, and Fundación Vital Fundazioa.
“Mazoka is an increasingly popular and recognized event. This year, we have seen a substantial increase in international applications (16%), local applications (13% from Álava), and student applications (15%). It serves as a magnificent showcase for creative proposals in the sector,” said María Nanclares, councilor for Economic Promotion, Employment, Commerce, and Tourism in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
Additionally, Sonia Díaz de Corcuera, councilor for Culture and Education, emphasized the cultural growth of Mazoka, stating, “It is a project that generates community and culture, offering opportunities to new talents and demonstrating the immense potential of illustration and drawing as artistic and cultural expressions. The increase in applications shows that Mazoka has established itself as a reference for new generations and places Vitoria-Gasteiz on the map of contemporary global creation.”
Among the 30 selected professionals, known as 'mazokalaris', are notable figures from both national and international backgrounds, including Ana Oncina (Alicante), Roberta Vázquez (Santiago de Compostela), Akesi Martínez (Pontevedra), José A. Roda (Barcelona), Raisa Álava (Álava), and the collective Flama! (Madrid and Brazil). Local talent will also be represented by Raisa Álava, Natalia Albéniz, Sonia Compañón, and others from nearby regions.
Three students will showcase their work, including Carmen Blau, a student from the Master's in Illustration at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), who has been awarded the VIII BEKIKASLE scholarship from Laboral Kutxa.
International participation is notable, with 15.74% of applications coming from individuals residing outside Spain, including artists from Bulgaria, Mauritania, Russia, China, and Cuba. The popularity of the fair is evident, as 45% of applicants were referred by previous participants, while 20% were encouraged by educational institutions.
Among the educational institutions with the highest number of applicants are Elisava School and LABASAD (both in Barcelona), Instituto Mendizabala and IDARTE (Vitoria-Gasteiz), UPV (Valencia), EHU-UPV (Basque Country), the School of Art of Seville, and Complutense University (Madrid).
Highlighted Participants
The organization has highlighted the careers of four professional participants:
- Ana Oncina (Alicante): A renowned comic author with over 12 titles, she has received awards such as the Barcelona Comic Salon Award and the International Manga Award in Japan.
- Akesi Martínez (Pontevedra): Known for her engravings and personal sequential works, she has exhibited in London and Paris and received recognition at the Bologna Children's Book Fair.
- José A. Roda (Barcelona): An illustrator and product designer who has worked with major brands like Google and Fnac, focusing on joy as a form of resistance in his art.
- Roberta Vázquez (Santiago de Compostela): A fanzine and children's comic author known for her humorous style and vibrant colors, featured in various national and international media.
Bekaikale-Laboral Kutxa Scholarship
This XI edition of Mazoka has awarded the Bekaikasle Scholarship to Carmen Blau, a student from the Master's in Design and Illustration at the Polytechnic University of Valencia. Her project combines traditional techniques with refined digital methods, exploring themes of memory, grief, and nostalgia through self-published formats like fanzines and art books.
Blau's experimental and dreamlike style utilizes light and color to create atmosphere and guide the viewer's reading experience. Her work conveys emotions ranging from melancholy to joy, making her a deserving recipient of the Bekaikasle – Laboral Kutxa scholarship, which includes free registration, a €500 production grant, accommodation during the market, and a subscription to a professional website.
