Giuseppe Zaccaria, a multifaceted Italian artist, was born on April 23, 1930, in Trapani, Sicily, a region steeped in rich cultural heritage and artistic tradition.
Zac's professional journey commenced in the year 1951 with the creation of the comic strip Gatto Filippo, which was published in the esteemed Italian newspaper Paese Sera, a renowned publication that served as a platform for his creative endeavors, until the year 1959.
Subsequently, Zac's talent and expertise led to collaborations with a plethora of esteemed European publications, including Eureka, a prominent magazine that showcased innovative and groundbreaking content; Pioniere, a publication that focused on scientific discoveries and technological advancements; L'Écho des savanes, a French comic strip that poked fun at politics and society; Le Canard enchaîné, a satirical newspaper that used humor to comment on current events; Playtime, a comic strip that entertained readers of all ages; and Spillky, a publication that pushed the boundaries of storytelling and visual art.
Zac's remarkable entrepreneurial spirit was evident in 1977, as he embarked on a bold venture, co-founding the irreverent satirical magazine Il Male. This innovative publication, which Zac had a hand in designing the cover art for on multiple occasions, would go on to become a platform for his provocative and unapologetic brand of satire.
His artistic expression was marked by a distinct tone, which often bordered on the profane, irreverent, and even brutal. This unflinching approach to social commentary led to a steady stream of complaints and legal entanglements, as Zac fearlessly tackled some of the most sensitive and controversial topics of the time.
Among his primary targets were the corrupt practices of clergymen, the suffocating grip of sexual repression, and the entrenched power structures of the Catholic Church. Additionally, he frequently trained his satirical sights on the narrow-minded, conservative values of the Italian petty bourgeoisie, unafraid to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of acceptable discourse.
Zac, a multifaceted creative force, left an indelible mark on the world of art, with a body of work that spanned numerous mediums and genres. His literary output was particularly noteworthy, with the publication of four groundbreaking books that boldly critiqued the Catholic Church and the societal norms of Italy. These works not only showcased his mastery of the written word but also his unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power.
Zac's artistic talents did not stop there, as he also made a significant impact in the realm of animation. As a director and screenwriter, he brought numerous short films to life, each one a testament to his innovative storytelling abilities. His most ambitious project to date, the experimental feature film "The Nonexistent Knight", was a stunning adaptation of Italo Calvino's novel of the same name. This critically acclaimed work not only demonstrated Zac's versatility as an artist but also his ability to push the boundaries of what was thought possible in the world of animation.
Furthermore, Zac's work was recognized and celebrated by his peers, with Nobel laureate Dario Fo hailing him as "the first cartoonist in the world to draw the Pope without clothes". This prestigious endorsement not only acknowledged Zac's artistic prowess but also his courage in tackling controversial subjects head-on.
Zac's life was tragically cut short on August 25, 1985, as a result of a devastating stroke that ultimately claimed his life. Despite his untimely passing, Zac's enduring legacy continues to be honored and celebrated through various tributes and commemorative efforts.
One such tribute is a documentary film titled Zac - I fiori del Male, which premiered at the prestigious 72nd Venice Film Festival in 2015. This poignant film serves as a poignant reminder of Zac's remarkable life and work, offering a glimpse into the life and career of this extraordinary individual.
