This week, "Cutting Edges: Cartoon Art Defining the World," an exhibition of political cartoons from around the globe, opens at the Society of Illustrators and will be on view until October 13.

The show features 125 prize-winning pieces from the 2006 Aydin Dogan International Cartoon Competition, held annually since 1983 and sponsored by the Aydin Dogan Foundation of Istanbul, whose mission is to create awareness among nations. The universal language of cartoons provides the foundation an opportunity to create a bond that crosses borders through freedom of expression.

Each year, roughly 3,000 cartoons are submitted, of which 300 are selected by an international jury invited to Istanbul for the judging. In recent years, the jury has included Guy Billout, Steve Brodner, Brad Holland, Anita Kunz, Francoise Mouly, Art Spiegelman, and Ralph Steadman, among others.

Anita Kunz, who served on the jury two years ago, brought the show to the Society of Illustrators as chair of its Museum Committee. In a phone conversation last week, she said, "Being on the jury was a phenomenal experience. Although we spoke many different languages, we all understand the language of art. Illustration left: Angel Boligan Corbo (Cuba)

"I was surprised by the freedom of expression and the biting satire that comes through in the work, Kunz went on to say. "The exhibition is so important in trying times like these; seeing viewpoints from all around the world, we can better understand the experiences of others."

Through their work, the artists represented comment on peace in Cuba, capital punishment in Italy, alienation in Iran, mistrust in the People's Republic of China, the juxtaposition of ancient forms of warfare with today's conflicts in Turkey, America's domination in global affairs as viewed from within the Russian Federation, and other important political, social, and domestic issues facing the world today.

In speaking about the exhibition, which has an international itinerary and will be presented at the United Nations in May 2008, Aydin Dogan says, "We see cartoons ultimately as a tool for promoting world piece. As an art form, it is both local and universal, requiring no translation."

The Society of Illustrators is open Tuesday 10 - 8, Wednesday - Friday 10 - 5; Saturday 12 - 4. Admission is free.