Philippe Geluck

What if in a kingdom of black humor, the king was a Cat? A king that can make fun of everything.

Born in 1954 in Brussels, the artist Philippe Geluck grew up in a family surrounded by art. His father was a draftsman, his mother a soprano and as a child he began visiting museums and familiarizing with Sempé, Chaval and even with the satirical magazine, Hara-Kiri.

In 1972, he joined INSAS (Institut National Supérieur des Arts du Spectacle) but a year before, young Geluck had already been noticed. He was already drawing and with his brother who was a graphic designer, they created a magazine on the walls of the toilets. A place which is more favorable for communication than we think, this way, his work was spotted by the editor of the humorous journal, "L'oeuf" who heard about Geluck and offered him a job in his magazine.

From then on, he had a lot of offers and opportunities. In 1972, Geluck exhibited his work at the Palace of Fine Arts of Brussels at the event «La Venus de Milo ou les dangers de la célébrité », his work stood besides those of Man Ray and Dali. The Maya Gallery liked the work of the artist and offered him his first personal exhibition in 1976.

Philipe Geluck worked as well at the theater. He went regularly on stage and worked alternatively on the stage design and acting. During an audition for a friend, he finally got the main role and played in the National Theater for the first time.

At the age of 26, Geluck had already a pretty hectic life, but in 1980 he took a decisive turn. His marriage to Dany was announced and the cartoonist had the idea of using a funny cat and his wife on the wedding announcement cards, to symbolize the young couple. The idea was a success, and in 1983 Luc Honorez, journalist for «Le Soir » asked Geluck to make drawings of their new face. The Cat was born, long live the Cat.

He quickly became the mascot of the magazine and much more. The Cat appeared as well in the magazine « A Suivre », before they offered him his very own edition. In 1986, the first comic strip which was completely devoted to the Cat come out. This was a major hit and Belgium found in him its modern icon.

Phillipe Geluck did not given up stage acting, in fact he began acting for the cinema in 1990, where he worked with Laurent Ruquier on " On n'est pas couché" as well as with Michel Drucker. Ten years later, the feline won the heart of many with « Le Chat s'Expose » which was the first exhibition completely dedicated to him, at the Fine Arts of Paris, which opened its doors to comics for this occasion.

Finally, we can see the importance of satirical artists of the caliber of Philippe Geluck, who reached freedom of speech and spread humor through his drawings.