For 50 years, Serge Chapleau has observed the news and seized on it to draw biting caricatures recognizable among all. His work has been the subject of numerous books, a remarkable exhibition at the McCord Museum and has recently appeared on a Canada Post stamp. This consecration inspired his colleague and friend, columnist Alexandre Sirois, who offered him to discuss his unique journey in the context of an exclusive interview from which we took this podcast.
During this tête-à-tête, Serge Chapleau looks back on the key moments in his professional life, including the last 25 years in the editorial staff of Press.
In an intimate and relaxed atmosphere, he confides in his doubts, on talent, on the future of the cartoonist profession and on the current era that fascinates him.
I never chose the caricature, Alex. I have always said that, before doing caricature, I did a bit of everything in the artistic world of Montreal, but I think that it is not really a profession that we choose, caricature is a mishap.
Serge Chapleau
I was talking earlier about the caricature that is waking up in completely crazy countries. Here is a sign that could not have been foreseen 25, 30 years ago. Here’s a sign that humor can help in countries of sick dictators. So that proves that, yes, it’s getting better. Optimism, yes. But that doesn’t prevent me from being cynical, and from looking at the world by saying to myself: what a joke!
Serge Chapleau
PHOTO KARENE-ISABELLE JEAN-BAPTISTE, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Serge Chapleau and Alexandre Sirois during the recording of the podcast
Chapleau – Without drawing
A production of Press. A creation of Coyote audio. Original idea and animation: Alexandre Sirois. Production and editing: Louise Leroux. Sound recording: Underground.
On the harmonica… Serge Chapleau.
