Laudatio GAL

The Vrije Universiteit Brussel dedicates this academic year to the beauty, the power, and the wisdom of science. We emphasize this dedication to the choice of our honorary doctorates, which we relate to figures, data and research results that matter. And the drawings of GAL definitely matter. 

Gerard Alsteens or GAL is one of the longest working and most famous political artists in Belgium, born in 1940 and still going strong every week in Knack, Knack magazine. GAL studied at the painting and graphics department of Sint-Lucas here in Brussels, and became a lecturer afterwards. Gerard Alsteens established his reputation as a cartoonist and political craftsman between 1960 and 1980 with his cartoons in ‘De Zwijger’ and ‘De nieuwe’. When ‘De nieuwe’ went bankrupt, he switched to Knack, where he became the house cartoonist for more than 35 years now. His drawings are usually sharp and confrontational, and they do convey a very strong and sharp message, invites people to think critically to the representation of current events in high profile images. His drawings often represent direct indictments against unfair situations. His work is, in my view, about speaking truth to power.

In 2004, GAL suffered an eye stroke and became visually impaired, a catastrophe of course, for a visual artist. However, he managed to resume his work through the aid of technical instruments, which shows his dedication and his drive. GALs commitment to freedom and freedom of speech, which he has shown throughout the years really fits the values of our university perfectly. He is critical and always avoids prejudice.

Our university and GAL share the love for Brussels. Mr. Alsteens has always said that he could not live anywhere else than in Brussels. I do share his opinion. He considers our capital as a true living lab, a touchstone for the reality of the future. Gerard Alsteens has received many awards and honorary titles throughout his full career. De Vrije Universiteit Brussel, however, is the first to award him with an honorary doctorate. 

En Gerard, we zijn dan ook ontzettend blij en vereerd dat je aanvaard hebt een Doctor Honoris Causa te worden van onze VUB.