As 2025 draws to a close, the satirical work of Australian political cartoonist Fiona Katauskas continues to offer a piercing lens on a tumultuous year in global affairs. A curated collection of her most impactful illustrations, originally published by The Guardian on Saturday 27 December 2025, has been revisited, showcasing her unique blend of wit and commentary.
From Trump Mania to Modern Apocalypse
The selection of five standout cartoons spans a broad spectrum of pressing issues. A central figure in Katauskas's 2025 oeuvre is former US President Donald Trump, whose enduring influence and campaign hype are dissected with her characteristic sharpness. The cartoons do not shy away from international crises, with the conflict in Gaza providing potent material for her critical eye.
In a particularly striking piece, Katauskas reimagines a classic allegory for contemporary times, presenting her version of the new Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. This work encapsulates the anxieties of the era, blending historical symbolism with modern political fears.
Antipodean Politics and Global Echoes
While engaging with worldwide themes, Katauskas also turns her focus closer to home. The cartoons feature commentary on Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, situating domestic political narratives within her broader global critique. This dual perspective reinforces how national and international politics are increasingly intertwined.
The body of work, archived for readers to explore in full, demonstrates how political cartooning remains a vital form of journalism and opinion. Katauskas uses illustration not merely to decorate the news, but to challenge, question, and distill complex events into powerful, often unsettling, images.
The Enduring Power of Satirical Art
The republication of these cartoons serves as a year-end review of the key political currents that have defined 2025. They act as a visual chronicle, capturing the zeitgeist from the campaign trails of America to the parliamentary halls of Australia and the conflict zones abroad.
Fiona Katauskas's work underscores the significant role satirical art plays in holding power to account and reflecting society's triumphs and failures back at itself. As these five selected cartoons prove, a single image can often convey the depth of an editorial, leaving a lasting impression long after the headlines have faded.
