El Verano en El Barrio

This colorful mural was commissioned by JAM VZW in Mechelen with the goal of capturing the unique atmosphere of the neighborhood. From the outset, it was clear that I would have to use bright colors, as the area is full of colorful characters and events.

Historically, this old working-class neighborhood has always been closely connected to the nearby railway workshops. In fact, years ago, the doors and windows of the houses were often painted with leftover paint from the workshop, and to this day, many residents still work for the railways.

The stranded train carriage in the mural references an even older story from the neighborhood. In the early Middle Ages, this area was home to the small and inconsiderable village of Hanswijk, a marshy place by the river Dijle, just outside the city walls of Mechelen. One day, a fully loaded ship became stuck on the riverbank. Onboard was a statue of the Virgin Mary, and as soon as the statue was unloaded, the ship was able to continue its journey. The statue was then placed in the small chapel, which still stands in the neighborhood today, and became famous in the area. Later, the larger Hanswijk Basilica was built, and the statue was moved within the city walls for safekeeping, leaving the neighborhood again in oblivion.

The Arsenaal neighborhood, referred to as "the Barrio" by young locals for over twenty years, remains a distinct district on the outskirts of Mechelen. In this mural, I wanted to convey the sense of warmth and belonging that is ever-present in the little square, affectionately called "het hofke" by the residents. In this barrio of Mechelen it will always be summer.