Prague, Czech Republic – Celebrated Czech caricaturist Štěpán Mareš reflects on a year marked by global tension and domestic political “bizarreness,” while preparing for a series of exhibitions and continuing his prolific artistic output. In a recent interview with PrahaIN.cz, Mareš, best known for his satirical comic Zelený Raoul, offered a candid assessment of the current state of affairs, both internationally and within the Czech Republic.
Mareš described 2025 as a “very interesting year” from a working perspective, fueled by a constant stream of events ripe for satirical commentary. However, he expressed a weariness with the relentless cycle of news, particularly the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. “It’s all quite strange,” he said. “And frightening that, in the 21st century, in 2026, we’ve reached this point. It’s unbelievable.” He emphasized his respect for the gravity of the situation, stating, “I’m not making fun of it. I know that terrible horrors are happening there and tens of thousands of people are dying, including civilians and small children. That’s terrible.”
Beyond the war in Ukraine, Mareš voiced concerns about broader geopolitical trends, including the actions of the United States and a perceived shift in Europe’s stance. “That shocks me in a negative way,” he admitted, adding that he awaits future developments with apprehension.
Despite the weighty global issues, Mareš found professional fulfillment in the past year. He highlighted his work creating caricatures of politicians for Praha TV during pre-election debates and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute cartoons to PrahaIN.cz. “It’s not a cliché, I sincerely appreciate it,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges of creating satire in the current climate. “It’s a fight. I’ve been making a living at it for thirty-five years and sometimes I’m maybe a little tired. But I still love my work and I enjoy it.”
Looking ahead, Mareš has two exhibitions planned for this year, one in Uherské Hradiště and another in Třebíč, both featuring performances by the folk-rock band Čechomor, longtime friends of the artist. He described the collaboration as a source of joy, praising Čechomor’s unique musical style, which he noted blends traditional elements with rock and heavy metal influences.
The exhibition in Třebíč will be held in the Malovaný dům (Painted House) on Karlovo náměstí (Charles Square), a historically significant building where Mareš last exhibited fifteen years ago. He expressed particular enthusiasm for returning to his hometown, located in the Vysočina region. “I’m very much looking forward to it because that’s where I come from,” he said. “I don’t go there much now, but I have my parents and my studio there, and my roots are there.”
Mareš confirmed that he now considers Prague his primary residence, having moved to the capital five years ago after finding a partner from Turnov. While he previously divided his time between Prague and Vysočina, he now prefers the convenience and vibrancy of city life. “I originally thought I didn’t want to live in the city, but after five years of marriage I wouldn’t want to go back to the countryside,” he explained. “Not that I’ve become a snobbish townie, but I’ve gotten used to Prague. Today I wouldn’t change it.”
He noted a friendly connection with fellow Vysočina native Ondřej Vetchý, a well-known actor who also resides in Prague but frequently returns to the region. He also fondly mentioned Karel Roden, another native of Okříšky, Vetchý’s hometown. “We’ve known each other for a long time and I like him,” Mareš said of Vetchý. “He’s principled and a good man. But he’s very busy with work, so we don’t see each other often. That sometimes makes me sad, because we understand each other. But Ondřej is much more famous than I am.”
Turning to the Czech political landscape, Mareš acknowledged the challenges of navigating sensitive topics while maintaining his satirical edge. He expressed satisfaction with the presidency of Petr Pavel, whom he personally admires, but offered a more critical assessment of the political environment surrounding the president. “The situation in Czech politics seems like quite a bizarre spectacle to me,” he stated. He singled out politicians Tomio Okamura and Petr Macinka as particularly fertile sources of inspiration for his work, while noting that former Prime Minister Petr Fiala presented a more difficult subject due to his perceived lack of comedic potential. “He was a bit of a dry character,” Mareš admitted. “But from an artist’s point of view, it’s amazing to watch our politicians. I’m happy about the current situation, but it’s bad, let’s be honest.”
Mareš’s work extends beyond political satire. Recent projects include a series of comics focused on the history of Prague, commissioned by Prague City Tourism, featuring figures like Golem, Albert Einstein, and Franz Kafka. He described this work as a welcome change of pace, stating, “After all those politicians, it’s a spa treatment.” He also hinted at plans for English and German translations of these comics, aiming to offer a more sophisticated alternative to typical tourist souvenirs.
As Mareš continues to navigate the complexities of the modern world through his art, his work remains a vital and insightful commentary on the human condition, offering both humor and poignant reflection.
