Artist Profile | Cartoon & Caricature

Makhmud Eshonkulov

Makhmud Eshonkulov was born on January 21, 1958 , in the village of Telov, Beshariq district of Fergana province, Uzbekistan. He graduated from the Faculty of Graphic Arts at the Tashkent State Pedagogical Institute , where he developed the artistic foundation that would later define his career as one of Uzbekistan’s most celebrated cartoonists. He is a member of the Union of Artists of Uzbekistan and a member of the Good Humor Party in Poland . Currently living in Tashkent, he works as a freelance cartoonist. Eshonkulov has held several solo exhibitions, including in Krusevac, Serbia (2007) , Osijek, Croatia (2008) , and multiple times in Tashkent (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013) . His works have been widely exhibited both nationally and internationally, earning him recognition as a leading figure in contemporary cartoon art. He has also served as a jury member for prestigious events such as the 2nd International China Cartoon Competition and the International Iran Cartoon Festival . In 2008, he was honored with the State Award “Friendship” in Uzbekistan for his contributions to the arts. Over the course of his career, Eshonkulov has participated in numerous international cartoon exhibitions and competitions, winning more than 160 awards worldwide . Among his most notable prizes are: Gold Prize , Nanjing, China (2002) 1st Prize , Tokyo, Japan (2004) Silver Prize , Baku, Azerbaijan (2005) Bronze Prize , Damascus, Syria (2005) Golden Pencil Prize , Tashkent, Uzbekistan (2006) Golden Helmet Prize , Krusevac, Serbia (2006) 1st Prize , Piracicaba, Brazil (2006) Gold Prize , Zagreb, Croatia (2007) 1st Prize , Istanbul, Turkey (2012) 2nd Prize , Tehran, Iran (2013) 1st Prize , Porto Alegre, Brazil (2014) and many more in countries across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Makhmud Eshonkulov is admired not only for his technical skill but also for the elegance and universality of his artistic vision . His cartoons are distinguished by their refined humor, clarity, and depth, turning complex social ideas into simple, accessible images. Today, he continues to be regarded as one of the most important cartoonists of Uzbekistan and a respected voice in the international cartoon community.