Montreal is set to become the first city globally, outside of the Spanish-speaking world, to erect a statue of Mafalda, the beloved Argentine comic strip character created by Quino.

Introducing Mafalda to a New Audience

The initiative aims to introduce the character’s insightful commentary on society and politics to a wider English-speaking audience. Despite achieving international acclaim, Mafalda only recently became accessible to English-speaking audiences with translations of Quino’s work appearing in 2023.

The Vision Behind the Statue

Livia Magnani, owner of a Montreal art café, is spearheading the effort to install an official statue of Mafalda in the city. She hopes to further popularize the character and her thought-provoking worldview. Magnani drew inspiration from her experiences in Córdoba, Argentina, where statues of cultural figures are common in public spaces.

Mafalda's Enduring Legacy

Created by Joaquín Salvador Lavado Tejón, known as Quino, Mafalda embodies the inquisitive spirit of a child grappling with complex world issues. Quino passed away in September 2020 at the age of 88.

Magnani envisions the statue as an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider the important questions Mafalda consistently raises about the world and the decisions of adults. Often described as Charlie Brown with a penchant for socialist literature, Mafalda is a unique voice in the world of comics.

A Global Network of Statues

Montreal will join a network of sculptures created by Pablo Irrgang and located throughout Latin America and Spain. Magnani emphasizes that the statue is more than just a piece of art; it’s a symbol of critical thinking and a reminder to engage with the world’s complexities.

Timing and Support for the Initiative

The timing of this initiative is particularly significant, as Mafalda’s comics became widely available in English in 2023, opening her work to a new audience. Magnani’s efforts, supported by the Argentine consulate, began after a successful exhibition celebrating Mafalda’s 60th anniversary in 2024, demonstrating the character’s resonance with Montrealers.

While French-speaking Quebecers are already familiar with Mafalda through translations in French-language newspapers, Magnani hopes the statue will introduce her to a broader English-speaking audience.

Mafalda's Universal Appeal

Graphic novelist Marina León, originally from Argentina and now based in Montreal, notes that many Quebecers believe Mafalda originated in their province, highlighting the character’s universal appeal. Mafalda’s enduring relevance stems from her ability to articulate the frustrations and anxieties of a middle class grappling with political and economic instability.

Isabella Cosse, an Argentine history professor, explains that Mafalda’s success in Spain during Franco’s dictatorship was due to her ability to subtly critique the regime. Her appeal transcends national boundaries because she addresses universal themes of inequality, injustice, and the search for meaning.

From Advertising Campaign to Global Icon

Ironically, Mafalda’s creation was initially commissioned as part of an advertising campaign for an appliance company in 1963. However, the ads were never used, and Quino continued to develop the character independently, eventually launching her in Argentine newspapers and magazines.

As Argentina descended into another dictatorship, political exiles shared the comics abroad, contributing to Mafalda’s international recognition. A Netflix series planned for 2027 will further expand her reach, solidifying her status as a global cultural icon.