Artist Profile | Cartoon & Caricature

Carlos Loiseau (Caloi)

Carlos Loiseau (November 9, 1948 – May 8, 2012), known as Caloi, was a celebrated Argentine cartoonist and humorist. Born in Salta, he grew up in Buenos Aires and began his career in 1966 with caricatures in  Tía Vicenta . His first comic strip appeared in  María Belén  (1967), and his debut book,  El libro largo de Caloi , was published in 1968. In 1973, Caloi introduced  Clemente  in  Clarín , a comic strip featuring a quirky, flightless bird known for its wit and love of football, olives, and irony. The character became a cultural icon, sparking controversy during the 1978 FIFA World Cup when Caloi supported the tradition of throwing confetti at matches, defying government efforts to discourage it. Caloi also ventured into television, creating the animated  Clemente  series (1982–89), which satirized political and social issues. His cultural program  Caloi en su tinta  (1990–99, 2005) showcased global animation and earned multiple awards. He co-wrote scripts, served as a jurist for animation festivals, and created notable works like the lion emblem for Club Atlético River Plate. Over his career, Caloi published 40 books, including 17  Clemente  compilations, and exhibited his works internationally. He received numerous accolades, including two Konex Awards and the title of Illustrious Citizen of Buenos Aires. His sole animated film,  Ánima Buenos Aires , premiered just days before his death in 2012 at age 63.