“Vegetation and social diversity”. Those were the themes the locals requested. This is the Vandergoten Mural. It stands as a vibrant testament to community spirit and artistic expression.
The Vandergoten Mural is located at 302 Boulevard Émile Bockstael in Laeken. Laeken is a commune within Brussels. It is a part of the Brussels Comic Book Route. This route unites comic books and murals in an urban art project.
This striking mural was created by the talented artist Emilie Plateau. She is from France and has lived in Brussels since 2010. Plateau is known for her work in comics. She often addresses themes of sexism and the challenges faced by women in creative fields.
The Vandergoten Mural represents the Vandergoten neighborhood. It also represents its residents. The mural is situated behind a gate. Behind the gate are 53 subsidized housing units. Citydev.brussels built and sold these units in 2020. Citydev.brussels is a regional public organization. It is in charge of economic development and urban renewal.
Before citydev.brussels acquired the land, ‘Vandergoten et fils’ occupied it. It was a well-known furniture store. The family business went bankrupt. The land was abandoned for several years. Citydev.brussels wanted to support the circular economy. It hired a company to recover old bricks from the building. These bricks were reused in the construction of the new complex.
When Emilie Plateau was chosen as the artist, several meetings were organized with local residents. They wanted a mural that reflected vegetation and social diversity. They also wanted it to represent the commune of Laeken. Residents provided Plateau with photos of locals and their celebrations.
Emilie Plateau incorporated several elements into the Vandergoten Mural. She included the Atomium and the belfry. She depicted residents of Vandergoten with their dogs. She aimed to capture the festive atmosphere of the neighborhood. The mural also features the ‘Cyclo’ bike shop. This shop is integrated into the housing project.
Emilie Plateau has received the Prix Atomium for her work. She is a member of a collective of comic creators against sexism. Her work often highlights the fight for women’s recognition.
The Vandergoten Mural is more than just a painting on a wall. It is a reflection of the community’s identity. It is a celebration of its history. It also shows its aspirations for the future. The Vandergoten Mural captures the essence of Laeken. It embodies the spirit of Brussels itself.