Joan Cornellà

Joan Cornellà is a Catalan illustrator and cartoonist celebrated for his distinctive brand of black humour, delivered through vibrant, cheerful colours and ever-present smiles. His trademark comic strips, characterised by a jaunty, 1950s-style colour palette and blank-faced grins, have earned him cult status and a massive online following of over seven million.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Robert Crumb, Daniel Clowes, and Michael Kupperman, as well as Pettibon, Michael Ray Charles, and Barbara Kruger, Cornellà has developed a simple yet striking visual language. He finds particular influence in the naivety of old advertising and the fake smiles they portray, which align seamlessly with his aesthetic. Additionally, sketch comedy and stand-up comedy, including the British series Look Around You, serve as significant inspirations for his creative process.

Professionally, Cornellà has collaborated with numerous Spanish publications, including the satirical magazine El Jueves and newspapers Diario Ara and El Periodico de Cataluña. His first book, Abulia (Ediciones Glénat), released in 2010, won him the Josep Coll Prize for Illustration. He has since published other works like Sot, Mox Nox, and Zonzo, and in 2016, he hosted solo exhibitions in the United States, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

His reach extends beyond print media; he has illustrated for The New York Times and produced an album cover for the band Wilco. Notably, figures such as Eric Andre and Matthew McConaughey have been spotted wearing his graphic shirts, underscoring his cultural impact. Cornellà acknowledges the positive aspects of social media, expressing gratitude for its role in his success and highlighting the benefits of mass interaction and the democratisation of information. His creative approach is playful and fun, using humour to engage with serious themes, offering audiences a unique perspective through laughter.