Karl Meersman (1961): The Prolific Belgian Editorial Cartoonist Making Waves in Politics and Art

Karl Meersman was born on 14 September 1961. He is a Belgian editorial cartoonist, living in Sint-Niklaas. He is known for his weekly caricatures in the popular magazines’ Trends and Knack. Meersman is married to former VRT-television journalist and presenter Lies Martens.

Meersman’s art has been widely lauded in the press, in the art world, and politics. He gained international attention when his work was displayed in the Belgian consulate in New York City, in 2006–2007.

Karl Meersman’s Biography

Early life

Meersman comes from an artistic family. His grandfather was a painter, and both his mother and father were professional artists. When he was a young boy, his parents took him to the art school in Temse, where they worked as teachers. At age thirteen, he entered a drawing contest for children but was disqualified because the jury did not believe his entry was drawn by a child.

After deciding he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his parents, he dropped out of high school and attended different art night schools instead. He was awarded degrees in publicity, printmaking, and figure drawing. In the meantime, his father sent him to a photogravure company, where Meersman held a day job. When his father’s drawing workshop became too big to be run by a single person, he became permanently involved there. In 1991, together with two of his siblings, Meersman took over his father’s drawing studio Meersman I.D. to manage the ever-growing workload.

Career

Initially, Meersman was mainly occupied with work in the public sector. He was hired as a caricaturist by Trends’ magazine in 1987 after he was noticed drawing visitors in a furniture shop, and has been drawing political cartoons for the magazine weekly ever since. The economical magazine calls the cartoonist their “jester of the socio-economic society“.

In 2002, he became the permanent illustrator for Focus Knack, for which he draws caricatures of showbiz people most of the time.

Artwork

The artwork for magazines is done using traditional techniques: watercolor and pencil on paper. His interest in contemporary politics and news led him to political caricature as a living, and as he says: “I like to stand with both feet in the present, my work is a mirror of today.” As his biggest influences he names Egon Schiele and the satirical prints in the tradition of Félicien Rops, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Honoré Daumier. His style is described as realism with a strong eye for detail.

Besides caricatures and editorial cartoons, Meersman also produces posters, stamps, paintings, and interior designs. In the past, he also produced book illustrations and children’s books.

 Karl’s Bibliography

 Editorial Cartoon

Meersman; Karl (2010).VIPS TOO, Roularta Books. Meersman, Karl (2007).VIPS, Roularta.

Vandamme, Hugo, and Cambien, Karel (2007). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. Wat ben kaars en bril: management in spreek woorden: wat je op school niet leert. Roularta.

Trends (2000). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. België: tekenend en getekend 1990-2000: Karl   Meersman tekent tien jaar België/ La Belgique traits pour traits 1990-2000: Karl Meersman croque dix belges années. Roularta.

Seghers, Hendrik (1997). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. De nieuwe collaboratie: een ondernemer in het verzet. Davidsfonds.

 

Trends (1993). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. België in 30 hoofdstukken: over economie en  politiek in de jaren ’90. Roularta.

Uytterhoeven, Mark (1988). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. Wat een jaar, beste spotliefhebber! : de  hoogtepunten van het sportjaar 1988. Roularta.

Child and Young Adult Literature

1. Meersman, Karl (2002).Een melkje wolk. Afijn.
2. Kolet, Janssen (2000). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. Wisselkind : roman. Davidsfonds.
3. Linders, Jac (1999). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. De derde kans. Davidsfonds.
4. De Maeyer, Gregie (1998). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. De koningste koning. Davidsfonds.
5. Langenus, Ron (1997). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. Onder de zwarte heuvel. Davidsfonds.
6. Linders, Jac (1997). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. Complot tegen Jesse. Davidsfonds.
7. De Maeyer, Gregie (1996). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. Ach. Davidsfonds.
8. Langenus, Ron (1996). Illustrated by Meersman, Karl. Het geheim van de Zwarte Dame. Davidsfonds.

FAQ about Karl Meersman

Who is Karl Meersman? 

Karl Meersman is a prominent Belgian editorial cartoonist known for his weekly caricatures featured in popular magazines like Trends and Knack.

What is Karl Meersman’s artistic background? 

Coming from an artistic family, Karl Meersman was exposed to art from a young age. He pursued art education, eventually specializing in publicity, printmaking, and figure drawing.

What are some notable works by Karl Meersman? 

Karl Meersman gained international attention for his artwork displayed in the Belgian consulate in New York City during 2006-2007. He is acclaimed for his caricatures and editorial cartoons, often portraying contemporary political figures and showbiz personalities.

What is Karl Meersman’s artistic style? 

Karl Meersman’s artistic style is realism with a strong eye for detail. He primarily utilizes traditional techniques like watercolor and pencil on paper for his artwork.

Has Karl Meersman contributed to any publications? 

Yes, Karl Meersman has been involved in various publications, including editorial cartoons and children’s books. His notable works include “VIPS TOO: Very Important Paintings Too” and “VIPS: Very Important Paintings.”

Who are Karl Meersman’s influences? 

Karl Meersman draws inspiration from artists like Egon Schiele and the satirical prints of Félicien Rops, Toulouse-Lautrec, and Honoré Daumier.

What other forms of art does Karl Meersman engage in? 

In addition to editorial cartoons and caricatures, Karl Meersman creates posters, stamps, paintings, and interior designs. He has also contributed to book illustrations and authored children’s books.