A mischievous grin frozen in time. That’s the Jojo Mural in Brussels. It’s a vibrant splash of color on a seemingly ordinary building. Located in the Marolles area this mural celebrates the comic strip Jojo created by Andre Geerts.
The Jojo Mural depicts Jojo himself. He is wearing his signature green cap. His best friend the chubby Lowietje is there too. So is his grandmother Leontien with whom he lives. The artwork captures a small but precious moment. It shows the everyday life of a playful child. A child not always well-behaved.
Geerts’s Jojo comics debuted in 1983 in the magazine Robbedoes. They explored the everyday humorous adventures of a young boy. The boy lived with his grandmother. His life was a mix of city and countryside. The stories are seen through a child’s eyes. They reveal anxieties tantrums and idealizations. Geerts tackled difficult subjects with sensitivity. Subjects like school failures blended families and hospital stays. He even addressed bullying. Lowietje for example is called chubby because he’s overweight.
The mural subtly highlights intergenerational relationships. Grandmothers and women in general are portrayed within traditional roles. Leontien’s role focuses on her unwavering love and care for the men in her family. The artwork reflects the family structures of the 1950s and 1960s. This was a time before the more diverse family structures of today. It also challenges the traditional Belgian comic book hero. These heroes typically lack family ties unlike Tintin.
The Jojo Mural’s dynamic and delicate style is typical of Geerts. Pastel colors and flowing curves are prominent. It is a unique piece of street art. It’s a tribute to a beloved comic and its creator. It’s a reminder that even the simplest moments in life are worth celebrating.