Street Art in Antwerp

Are two persons (one with a camera and one with a gps) able to capture creativity (in the form of street art) in a city they have never visisted before and with just two days of time? Especially if this city turns out to be the big and impressive Antwerpen? With this article (and with the use of bicycles, the amazing Street Art Cities app and an old-school map of the city) I can clearly demonstrate that you do not have to travel far to get overwhelmed by a lot of awesome public art.

Street Art in Berchem – Wilrijk

Whenever you visit Antwerp and are looking for street art and graffiti, Berchem is a must see. Berchem is called the street art district of Antwerp and even appointed their own alderman of street art.

We have followed a route, which made it able to see most of the beautiful artworks in the district. This route includes Berchem Station and the Meeting of Styles area This yearly event is so impressive, we’ve gone back as the walls were painted all over again in August by 50-70 artists (who have painted 3000m² all over again).

– Kitsune for A Meeting of Styles –

Street Art in Luchtbal

Although the works date back to 2013, the Luchtbal area in Antwerpen (closeby ‘Antwerpen Luchtbal’ station) has still got an interesting and intact route. The so-called ‘Day One Street Art Route’ includes works by artists such as Steve Locatelli, Bue The Warrior, A Squid Called Sebastian, Strook, Jaune, Big Uncle Graffiti Team, Wilson and Smates. For a ready mate route, check this link.

– Pleghm for Antwerpen Luchtbal –

Street Art in Antwerp (city center)

With our hotel right next to the central station of Antwerpen, we quickly found out that even the shopping streets at the city center aren’t save for massive and impressive artworks. There is even a curated route called ‘Baroque Murals’, a project by Yvon Tordoir which is part of the city’s celebration of Baroque art and culture.

– ‘Dreamin’ of inspiration’, by Smug –

– ‘Mural for my Father’, by El Mac –

Besides the big works which is placed in a way they can be found easily, there are also a lot of hidden gems in the city center. The one we’ve enjoyed the most is ’t straatje (‘the street’), which includes an entirely transformed house.

– ’t straatje (‘the street’) –

Street Art in Antwerp (harbour area)

With a little help from Steve Locatelli we were able to find some interesting works on our way back. We’ve made a stop at the harbour area for only half an hour, but were able to spot a lot of interesting artworks.

– work by Gooze and Treepack –

Much of the works are less than one year old and are part of the Tizarte Festival (2018). This includes works by artists such as Gooze, Leon Keer, Matthew Dawn and Djoels (the cover photo of this article). With a city that accepts the street art movement so much, Antwerpen will be a city worth returning to every year.

Photo: Henk Warrink / NCO Photography

Text: Mike Warrink / Capturing Creativity