December 19th 2024.
Well, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of beloved Australian cartoonist Michael Leunig at the age of 79. His five-decade career was a true testament to his talent and range, from his lighthearted and whimsical pieces to his more thought-provoking and controversial ones.
Starting out as a political cartoonist for the Melbourne Age in 1969, Leunig's artistry continued to flourish over the years, with his final cartoon being published in The Age just earlier this year. In recognition of his contributions, he was even named a living treasure by the National Trust in the 1990s.
As news of his death broke, Leunig's studio took to Instagram to pay tribute, stating that while his pen may have run dry, his iconic characters Mr. Curly and his ducks will forever hold a special place in our hearts. And it's true, who could forget those beloved characters and their charming adventures?
In his final days, Leunig was surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers, his dear friends Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven providing a comforting soundtrack. Age editor Patrick Elligett eloquently described Leunig as a master of his craft, his work a near-permanent fixture on fridges and dining tables across the nation.
Leunig's passing has been felt deeply by millions of people, especially by the readers of The Age who have been privileged to enjoy his wit and art for over 55 years. In a statement released by the paper, Elligett expressed their condolences to Leunig's friends and family, bidding farewell to the legendary cartoonist.
Born in 1945 to a slaughterman, Leunig's journey to becoming a cartoonist was not a conventional one. He worked as a factory laborer and meat worker before discovering his true passion. Enid Blyton, Phantom comics, The Book of Common Prayer, JD Salinger, Spike Milligan, Private Eye magazine, and The Beatles were among his early influences, shaping his unique style and perspective.
Throughout his career, Leunig's work took him to unexpected places, including appearing on stage with the Archbishop of Canterbury and an Indonesian president, and showcasing his talents at the Sydney Opera House through painting and poetry. He also used his pen to voice his strong opposition to the war on terror that followed the tragic events of 9/11.
As the world around him became increasingly divided and bleak, Leunig's work reflected this change in tone. He became more vocal on controversial topics such as mandatory vaccinations and the rise of "woke" culture. However, his work always remained thought-provoking and insightful, encouraging readers to contemplate life's beauty and complexities.
Leunig's time at The Age, part of the Nine media group, came to an end earlier this year when his contract was not renewed, an event that the cartoonist described as a "throat-cutting exercise." Through his art, we have been able to reflect on life's simple and profound moments, from Mr. Curly returning to his curly-headed family to a father and son bonding over a sunset on TV, unaware of the real thing happening outside their window.
As Age Spectrum editor Lindy Percival beautifully put it, Leunig's angels have always looked on, sometimes with sadness, sometimes with anger, but always with love. And that is perhaps his greatest legacy, capturing the essence of humanity and the world around us through his pen and paper. Farewell, Michael Leunig, your work will continue to inspire and touch hearts for years to come.
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