François Schuiten (1956)
Occupation: Comics creator artist and scenographer
Nationality: Belgian
Why an honorary doctorate?
With the title of Doctor Honoris Causa, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel honours François Schuiten as an artist who uses imagination to explore reality with a critical eye. His work, deeply connected to Brussels, portrays the city as a place of contrasts, encounters, and social tension.
Through image and narrative, he invites us to see society from new perspectives. His art raises questions, opens viewpoints, and makes complex themes visible. This critical and engaged approach reflects the values upheld by the VUB.
"Brussels is a city that can be confusing, a bit strange - you don’t always understand it right away. But it has so much to offer to creative minds."
About his career
François Schuiten was born in Brussels on April 26, 1956, into a family of architects. He studied graphic arts and became one of Belgium’s most influential illustrators, scenographers, and comic artists. Together with Benoît Peeters, he created the iconic comic series Les Cités Obscures in 1982, in which cities take center stage and Brussels remains a lasting source of inspiration—most notably in the album Brüsel, a critical reflection on the capital’s urban development.
His work has been translated and published internationally and has drawn attention from galleries and festivals worldwide, including in London, Liverpool, Angoulême, New York, Geneva, Amsterdam, Lyon, and Turku (Finland).
Beyond comics, Schuiten has designed scenographies for exhibitions, world expos, and metro stations, and has contributed to posters, album covers, and graphic design. His installations, such as those at Hallepoort Metro Station and Train World, merge historical heritage with futuristic visions.
Recognition
- Grand Prix de la ville d’Angoulême – Lifetime Achievement, France (2002) – Major European comics award
- Baron title – Conferred by King Albert II of Belgium (2002) – Royal distinction
- Japan Media Arts Festival – Grand Prize (Manga) – Les Cités Obscures (2013) – International recognition
- Special Prize of the Jury – Max & Moritz Prize, Erlangen, Germany (1998) – International comics award
- Inkpot Award, United States (1996) – International comic award
- Grand Prix – Festival of Sierre, Switzerland (1987) – European comics award
- Award for Best Comic Book – Angoulême International Comics Festival, France (1985) – Prestigious comics prize
- Samaris selected as one of the 20 best books of the year – Lire (1983) – Literary recognition
What is an honorary doctorate?
VUB has awarded honorary doctorates every year since 1978 to personalities from the most diverse backgrounds who have made a remarkable contribution to their field and to society. From this solemn moment of recognition, they bear the honorary title of Doctor Honoris Causa of VUB.