Carlos Nine (Buenos Aires, 1949 – 9 November 2016) was an Argentine cartoonist, illustrator, painter, and sculptor. He is recognised for his distinctive surreal‑fantastical visual style and for contributions to both Argentine and international publications.
Early life and education
Carlos Nine was born in Buenos Aires in 1949. He studied at the Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes “Prilidiano Pueyrredón,” where he received formal training in drawing and painting. Details about his family background and early influences are limited in publicly available sources.
Career
Cartooning and illustration
Nine began his professional career in the 1970s, contributing cartoons and illustrations to Argentine magazines such as Fierro, a pioneering comics anthology, and later to newspapers including Clarín. His work was characterised by an inventive use of line, exaggerated forms, and a blend of humor with the grotesque.
International work
From the 1990s onward, Nine’s illustrations appeared in foreign publications, notably The New Yorker, where he provided several cover illustrations and interior art. He also illustrated books for European publishers, collaborating on editions of classic literature and contemporary prose.
Fine‑art practice
In addition to his graphic work, Nine pursued painting and sculpture. His paintings often reflected the same whimsical, dream‑like quality as his drawings, and his sculptures incorporated mixed media, frequently exploring mythological and folkloric themes. He exhibited his works in galleries across Argentina and Europe.
Notable works
- La habitación del miedo (1989) – a graphic novel noted for its atmospheric storytelling.
- El libro de los perros (1997) – an illustrated book authored by Argentine writer Alejandro Dolina, featuring Nine’s imaginative animal designs.
- Humo y sangre (2002) – a collection of his comic strips and illustrations.
- Cover illustrations for The New Yorker (1999, 2003, 2007).
Style and influence
Nine’s visual language has been described as surrealist and baroque, drawing on influences from European illustration traditions, Argentine folk art, and the works of artists such as Hieronymus Bosch and Francisco Goya. Critics have highlighted his ability to merge dark humor with refined craftsmanship.
Awards and recognition
- Premio Argentino de la Asociación de Periodistas del Cómic (1995) – for best illustration.
- Premio de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires (2001) – recognizing his contribution to visual arts.
- Premio Nacional al Arte Gráfico (2008) – awarded by the Argentine Ministry of Culture.
Death
Carlos Nine died on 9 November 2016 in Buenos Aires after a brief illness. His death was widely reported in Argentine media, which commemorated his impact on the nation’s comic and illustration scene.
Legacy
Nine is remembered as a pivotal figure in contemporary Argentine illustration, influencing a generation of cartoonists and graphic artists. Posthumous retrospectives of his work have been held in Buenos Aires and abroad, and his illustrations continue to be reprinted in anthologies of Latin American graphic art.