Haven’t you wondered how street art came to be such a big thing in Brussels? The Up! Mural stands before us. It is a vibrant testament to Brussels’ thriving street art scene.
Brussels is renowned for many things. Think of the European Parliament and the Atomium. Then there are beer, waffles, and comic books. Belgium’s capital even celebrates comic books in a beautiful street art project called Parcours Bande Dessinée.
But what about other murals that are not comic-themed? In Belgium, you will find grand street art even in the smaller cities. There are amazing powerful murals all around the country’s capital.
Street art in Brussels exists in all shapes and forms. The art of sketching and painting on walls goes way back. Cavemen did it. So did people in the era of the Pyramids in Giza. The Roman Empire also took part. Larger-than-life wall paintings have been popular in Latin America for a very long time too. The most famous muralist was probably Frida Kahlo’s husband Diego Rivera.
Like virtually everywhere else in the world, the roots of contemporary street art in Brussels can be traced back to the 1980s. Graffiti and urban art movements emerged worldwide. As in many other cities, urban art here began with graffiti. Young artists drew inspiration from hip-hop culture and New York’s graffiti scene. They began spray-painting walls and trains.
Since then, street art has become an important form of cultural expression. It has been increasingly recognized as a legitimate art form. The collaboration of artists with local authorities and cultural institutions promoted this development.
Well-known street artists such as Bonom and ROA contributed to the notoriety and respect of the street art scene in Brussels. ROA is known for his large-format, detailed black-and-white animal images. He is a superstar in the international street art scene.
More and more city administrations are legalizing and even promoting street art. This happens in Brussels in the form of special festivals and events. One example is the Street Art Parcours. It is an annual event focused on promoting and exhibiting street art in Brussels. The event includes tours of new and existing murals. There are workshops and meetings with the artists. Another major festival is Balkan Trafik. It has been held annually since 2007. It celebrates the diverse cultures of the Balkans and Southeast Europe. It promotes cultural exchange in the areas of music, cinema, gastronomy and visual arts including street art. Balkan Trafik! usually takes place over several days in April. It attracts a diverse audience. It includes members of the Balkan diaspora, local Belgians, and international visitors. The festival has grown over the years to become a significant event in Brussels’ cultural calendar.
Another significant street art festival is La Belle Hip Hop. This annual street art festival celebrates women in hip-hop culture. The festival features a diverse array of events. These include live graffiti, dance performances, music, and workshops, all led by female artists. It aims to empower women in the arts. It provides a platform for their creative expression in a traditionally male-dominated genre. The event brings together artists from around the world. It fosters a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. It highlights the contributions of women to hip-hop culture.
Aside from the festivals, there are numerous hotspots for street art in Brussels. The Marolles district is best known for its lively street art scene. Here you will find multiple murals and graffiti artworks by local and international artists.
There are also many large-scale murals and graffiti artworks along the canal. They add to the industrial atmosphere of the area.
Brussels has therefore become an important center for street art. With a rich history, a variety of talented artists, and a vibrant festival scene, the city offers a dynamic platform for this art form. Local authorities and cultural institutions’ recognition and promotion of street art have helped Brussels become an important venue for urban art. Whether through permanent murals or temporary festival installations, street art in Brussels is an integral part of the city’s cultural landscape.
Up! Mural before you is part of this dynamic cultural landscape. It showcases the talent and creativity that Brussels fosters. As you explore Brussels, keep an eye out for the many other murals. Each one tells a unique story. Each one contributes to the city’s vibrant artistic identity.