Flanders has a long-standing love affair with the arts, dating back centuries. The region was ignited by Flemish Masters like Van Eyck, Bruegel, and Rubens, and today, a new generation of street artists carries on that legacy. The vibrant city of Antwerp exemplifies this creative evolution.
Antwerp has been a hub of artistic expression for centuries, a status that dates back to the time of baroque artist Peter Paul Rubens. Located along the Scheldt River, this city has historically been a significant center for politics, commerce, and culture in Western Europe. The appreciation for beauty and creativity has been passed down through the generations, and today, the spirit of creativity flows through the streets, squares, and minds of the people of Antwerp.
This creative essence is reflected in various disciplines, including fashion, music, theater, architecture, and, notably, the visual arts. Emerging artists showcase their work in numerous galleries or engage directly with the urban landscape. The historic backdrop of Antwerp provides an ideal setting for street art, where the clash of traditional architecture and contemporary expression results in a vibrant outdoor gallery of masterpieces.
One notable example can be found in Kopstraatje, located in the city’s historic center. Once a neglected alley, street artist Steve Locatelli transformed it into a stunning urban open-air gallery with the help of 14 international collaborators. Another remarkable area is Berchem, which uniquely features an alderman dedicated to graffiti, ensuring that street artists have designated spaces to create. Local train stations, with their long platform walls, serve as expansive canvases for artistic expression. The trendy district of Zurenborg also hosts the Meeting of Styles, an international graffiti event set against the backdrop of a former gas factory, showcasing 3,000 square meters of vibrant artwork.
For those wanting to explore Antwerp’s street art scene, the Antwerp section of Street Art Cities offers a curated selection of 500 unique pieces. Ghent also boasts an impressive array of contemporary street art, while the coastal town of Ostend hosts the annual street art festival, The Crystal Ship.
In the artistic landscape of Flanders, creativity truly knows no bounds.