GAL

Gerard Alsteens (born 3 August 1940, in Auderghem) is a Belgian political cartoonist, graphic artist and painter who works under the pseudonym "GAL". . He is infamous for his sharp political cartoons which, artistically speaking, share a closer resemblance to paintings than regularly drawn cartoons. Throughout the years his work has received several prizes and awards.

Status GAL's social engagement as a cartoonist is not restricted to solely drawing and painting. The past decades he participated in many public demonstrations, among others against the Vietnam War. He also devoted his talent and energy to many political and social causes, including Oxfam, Amnesty International,

Style GAL's cartoons share a closer resemblance to paintings than regular black-and-white cartoons. Also they are seldom trivial jokes about modern day affairs, but biting accusations against certain events, systems and/or politicians. He frequently experiments with different graphic techniques and formats too, including comics, collage, sculptures... and Geert van Istendael, as well as non-fiction works about political topics. Gal also illustrated the album cover of Zjef Vanuytsel's album "Tederheid" (1983).

Exhibitions and prizes He won several prizes in Belgium and Nederland He won the Festival d'Avignon Three times laureat at the International Cartoon Festival in Knokke-Heist Four times laureat at the Perskartoenale in Hoeilaart In 1980 he was selected by the Belgian state for the Venice Biennale In 1980 he won the Louis Paul Boonprijs Prize of the Vlaamse Gemeenschap voor Grafische Kunsten (Flemish Community for Graphic Arts) (1988) Laureat for best political cartoon in Havana (1991) Ark Prize of the Free Word (1994) The BeNe Prijs (2004) Honorary doctorate from the Free University Brussels, 2019 AL GAL te Cultuurcentrum Mechelen 2021 Statue - "Rosine, Grape Picker Between the Grape Vines" in Overijse (2023) GAL Total - A retrospective of the Commune of Schaerbeek, Luca school of Art Brussels, Bib sofia & Cava VUB (2023) Brusseleir vè et leive (2023) 1st prize - Grand Prix Press Cartoon Belgium in Knokke (2025)