William Pappas (1937–2000) was a cartoonist, illustrator, painter, and book author whose unique works combine political acumen, a sense of humor, and a sensitive perspective on the world around him. Working in diverse artistic arenas, Pappas left a deep mark on the world of political cartooning, illustration, and watercolor painting.

A life journey between continents and arts
Pappas was born in Armello, South Africa, to a Greek family who instilled in him the cultural and social roots that influenced his work. His unique talent was evident from an early age, and he studied art at leading schools in South Africa and Europe, including St. Martin's in London.

He published his first cartoon at the age of just 14 in the South African newspaper Cape Times. Later, his career became international, working as a political cartoonist for leading newspapers such as The Guardian, Sunday Times and Punch. His works, which dealt with global events such as the Six-Day War and conflicts in Cyprus, combined journalistic acuity with extraordinary artistic sensitivity.

An artist of stories and images
Pappas distinguished himself for his ability to tell a visual story, both through witty political cartoons and illustrations for children's and adult books. He described his work as "elongated cartooning," using pen and ink to create intelligent, moving, and lively works.

From Greek landscapes to American cities
Throughout his career, Pappas has traveled across continents and cultures, with each stop on his journey giving his work a new perspective. He lived in Greece, where he put the country's magnificent drawings on paper, and in his final years moved to Oregon in the United States, where he established his own gallery. During that time, he created a powerful series of illustrations of American cities, which were printed in his books such as America's Fathers and The Fathers of Portland.

Pappas' legacy
William Pappas was an artist who managed to make the political personal and art universal. His works are included in important collections around the world and continue to inspire thanks to their unique combination of sharp message, perfect design and boundless creative spirit.

In our gallery, we are proud to present Pappas' works, which remind us of how much art can illuminate reality, ask questions, and provoke thought.