Judges' comments

Cora does not aim to entertain the viewer with her art. She does not create works for the sake of aesthetics. This is a warning in the hope of avoiding even greater pain and troubles than those that are already happening in the world. The artist leads us to a frank conversation and raises uncomfortable topics. We no longer have a chance to turn away, ignore, or not notice what is happening. This series of illustrations looks truly sobering and makes you think.

Ekaterina Borodacheva

Strong message and bold visuals. The technique is solid, but the approach feels a bit too literal and graphic. A more poetic or symbolic take might leave a deeper emotional impact.

Max Liu

This series confronts harsh and unsettling issues head-on. The imagery is powerful and leaves a lasting impression. In particular, the composition of the pangolin, with chopsticks tightening around its neck, is especially striking. I believe that anyone who sees these works will — consciously or unconsciously — start to recognize the brutal reality behind these problems.

Moon Q

Cora’s illustrations immediately grab attention with their bold storytelling and intense visual impact. There’s a deliberate confrontation with uncomfortable themes, handled through precise composition and a rich illustrative technique. The balance between the grotesque and the poetic creates a strong emotional tension. It’s not easy to work with such subject matter while maintaining artistic clarity — but here, the visual language supports the narrative without slipping into excess. Very striking and memorable work.

Nadiia Zhelieznova

Facing the indifference, cruelty, selfishness and ignorance of human nature takes courage. In postmodern illustration, artists can engage in direct dialogue with viewers through their work. Illustrators no longer disguise or avoid ugly reality with pretentious camouflage art; they can rebuke people directly through their work, revealing the essence of the problem and triggering viewers' thoughts. At this time, the essence of the work is no longer just an existence, but a conception — a sharp weapon that pierces the human heart.

Yimin Wang

NEXT PAGE