Un monde à l’envers – De omgekeerde wereld Mural

Tucked away in Laeken, the Un monde à l’envers – De omgekeerde wereld Mural unfolds a whimsical world. It’s a place where lions oversee zookeepers and mice chase cats. The Un monde à l’envers – De omgekeerde wereld Mural stretches an impressive 48 meters. It’s based on Atak’s 2010 children’s book of the same name. Atak, originally from East Berlin, is a multifaceted artist who creates and teaches across Europe. Some of his works have even been published by the Brussels publisher Frémok. The mural captures the book’s playful spirit. It presents a series of standalone, vibrant illustrations, each depicting a topsy-turvy scenario. A baby feeds its mother. A rabbit holds a hunter at gunpoint. Bats sleep right side up. A circus of animals watches humans perform. These simple inversions create a world of delightful absurdity. However, they also subtly prompt reflection on our own society. During the mural’s inauguration, Atak remarked on an unexpected connection to our present reality. He hadn’t anticipated that his drawing of Arctic animals in a tropical jungle would lose its absurdity. He noted that it became almost a futuristic scenario, given the climate crisis we face. The Un monde à l’envers – De omgekeerde wereld Mural breathes life into a space once used as a dumping ground. It’s part of a larger rehabilitation project that includes a green corridor with play areas for children and dogs. The mural’s colorful, dynamic nature perfectly complements this playful space. Its subtle message about climate change speaks to younger generations and their parents alike. The Un monde à l’envers – De omgekeerde wereld Mural offers a moment of whimsy and reflection. It’s a playful escape into a world turned upside down. It’s a reminder of the absurdities and challenges of our own world.