Freedom

Created for Meeting of Styles Belgium 2025, check the full map here

At Meeting of Styles Belgium 2025, Brazilian artist Carao brought powerful meaning and masterful technique to the wall with a mural that speaks directly to themes of freedom, dignity, and Black representation. Hailing from Londrina in southern Brazil, Carao has been active in graffiti since 2000, and his work consistently focuses on the portraiture of Black people, celebrating the beauty, strength, and identity of Black children, women, and men in public spaces where these faces are often underrepresented.

For his return to Antwerp, where he first painted at the Meeting of Styles in 2019, Carao created a visually and emotionally rich mural. “My idea for this year was to portray a child in a more serious and thoughtful moment, and in another image, one in motion, running, bringing this counterpoint to show the freedom that every child should have.”

The word “Freedom” is handwritten in flowing script across the bottom, tying the imagery to Carao’s central message.
“Bringing representation of my people with a striking style is a way to take our stories to the streets—for everyone to reach,” Carao says. In this latest work, he once again turns public space into a canvas for empowerment, giving voice and visibility to those who deserve to be seen with strength, pride, and freedom.

Over 70 visionary artists from across the globe are set to transform more than 4000 square meters of urban arena at the "ZOMERFABRIEK" in street art district Berchem, during an electrifying weekend of live painting, culture, and community at Meeting of Styles Belgium. Guided by this year’s theme, "The Chosen Cause," the artists channel personal stories and convictions into bold visual expressions.