Avenue Josse Goffin – Josse Goffinlaan

Born in the heart of Brussels, Josse Goffin, the namesake of this very avenue, Avenue Josse Goffin, began his life in 1938. Avenue Josse Goffin is more than just a street. It’s a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to art. Young Josse, captivated by the adventures of Tintin and Spirou, found inspiration in the whimsical worlds of Babar the Elephant and the artistic genius of Saul Steinberg. These childhood influences shaped the artist he would become. He honed his skills at La Cambre, studying drawing and graphic design. He then ventured to Paris, working for various publishing houses and advertising agencies. But Brussels beckoned him home. In 1962, he returned, establishing himself as an independent artist. His talents extended beyond the canvas. Goffin designed magazine covers, even gracing the iconic Spirou magazine with his art. He created album covers for musicians like Julos Beaucarne. He even designed television credits. His distinct style, full of winged monsters, fragmented fish, and skeletal figures, earned him the nickname “the contemporary Hieronymus Bosch”. Avenue Josse Goffin reminds us of his significant contribution to children’s literature. He wrote and illustrated books like “Oh!” and “Ah!”, which garnered international acclaim. “Oh!” even won the Grand Prize for Graphic Design at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair in 1992. He also lent his artistic touch to other children’s books, illustrating stories like “Grand-mère Sucre, grand-père Chocolat”. From 1977 to 2004, Goffin shared his passion and expertise, teaching at La Cambre, nurturing the next generation of artists. So, as you stroll down Avenue Josse Goffin, remember the man whose name it bears. Remember the boy who loved Tintin and Spirou, and grew into a celebrated artist and author. His legacy lives on, not just in his works, but in this very street.