Ever wondered where a cartoon character gets its own neighborhood? Right here, we’re standing in Le Chat – De Kat. It is a neighborhood in Brussels immortalized by a famous feline.
Le Chat, or The Cat in English, is not just any cat. He is an obese, human-sized, anthropomorphic cat. He sports a suit and deadpan expression. This cat sprang from the mind of Belgian artist Philippe Geluck.
Geluck first published Le Chat in the newspaper Le Soir on March 22, 1983. For thirty years, Le Chat graced the pages of Le Soir. He quickly became a mascot. While a huge icon in Francophone Belgium, he’s less known in Flanders.
The humor of Le Chat is absurd. He often takes metaphors literally. He adds unlikely what-ifs to everyday situations. Each comic is one page long.
Le Chat became so popular that Le Soir allowed Geluck to illustrate the entire newspaper for his 20th anniversary in 2003. An exhibition of Le Chat’s history toured Europe.
But Le Chat’s influence doesn’t stop there. As part of Brussels’ Comic Book Route, Le Chat got his own wall in 1993. In 2008, Le Chat received his own market place in Hotton. A statue depicts him holding an umbrella that rains water down from inside.
In 2015, Le Chat took his fame to the next level. He received his own museum. Geluck’s creation even made its way into street art.
You will find Le Chat inviting tourists to view his mural as importantly as the Atomium. Another large mural adorns a primary school. The school is named after him in Herseaux.
Geluck was born in Etterbeek in 1954. His parents instilled a love for art. His father showed him artists like Rembrandt. His mother took him to museums.
Geluck wanted Le Chat to be universal. He says the cat cartoons aren’t specifically Belgian. However, their DNA is anchored in this culture of pictures.
Geluck avoids scorn in his work. He says his drawings may seem cruel. People understand they’re to make them laugh.
Geluck’s main love remains drawing and painting. He founded a theatre and acted for ten years. From 1979 to 2006, he participated in television and radio shows.
Family is essential to Geluck. He met his wife in 1976. She takes center stage in the very first Le Chat drawing.
Why a cat? Geluck says they tried rabbits. Dogs looked a little ugly. Cats looked like them.
Le Chat’s phenomenal success led to exhibitions all over Europe. His work has been translated into many languages.
Le Chat also entices children to appreciate art. He is featured alongside works from Leonardo da Vinci to lesser-known artists.
Geluck began sculpting after sculptor François Deboucq visited him. They created sculptures that have appeared in exhibitions.
Geluck spends his time sculpting, painting, and drawing. Millions of his albums have been sold.
Geluck says art should produce an emotion. A laugh or a tear. He helps many charity campaigns with Le Chat posters.
Le Chat’s DNA is to make people laugh and bring happiness. Geluck’s biggest challenge is to continue entertaining his fans.
The Le Chat museum is set to open in 2026. It will be based between the Place Royale and Bozar. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of a sardonic cat. Le Chat makes us reflect on life’s absurdities with a smile.