Concrete Canvas Tour

In Ghent a Concrete Canvas Tour is now available, leading tourists towards all the essential street art spots. The free map guides you to interesting paintings or installations. 

You can either opt to walk 7 km to see thirty two pieces or to cycle 14 km and see fifty two creations. The abandoned industrial site Inter-beton and the Roa pieces remain the must-see street art spots in Ghent.

http://www.visitgent.be/nl/brochure-concrete-canvas-tour?context=tourist

Don't do it to impress the press: street artist Roa

Picture: Ann Timmermans, Roa @ Rabot Ghent

Taking it back to the true essence of street art and hip hop culture, Belgian based graffiti artist Roa is so tall that he always stands out in a crowd.


As a youngster he was inspired and influenced by all the aspects of hip hop culture: skating, music of the Wu Tang Clan, Public Enemy, Eric B and Rakim, the Beastie Boys and naturally the freedom of expression by means of graffiti art. At that time his throw ups under bridges and on walls were to be seen in the vibrant streets of his hometown Ghent. 


He evolved from painting in a traditional way to his own graphic style of depicting his subjects, each piece clearly showing his painterly technique and love for nature. He combines rollers and spray cans to form the layers of his master pieces.


Intrigued by biology, his recognizable black and white animals are artistic expressions in correlation with abanonded sites, referring to these industrial spots as oasisses in civilization.


He believes that animals tell so much more about this world then anything or anyone else. No wonder he desired to become a vet as a kid. He easily succeeds in depicting vital beings in a way you may expect from masters as Picasso and Duchamps he loves so much. 


His unique monochrome paintings depicting rhinoceroses, birds, rabbits, fish, monkeys and cockroaches are yet to be admired in all major cities around the world.


Roa does his thing to express himself, to share art instead of the pursuit of his ego. Roa is on the roll!


Article written by Ann Timmermans

Picture Ann Timmermans, Roa @ Interbeton industrial site Ghent

Picture Ann Timmermans, Roa @Interbeton site Ghent

Interbeton, an attraction for graffiti artists, squatters and urban photographers

Squatters took over the site of Interbeton in Ghent from the moment it was no longer in use. The terrain became a homeport for artists and a place of inspiration.

Graffiti artists were able to fully explore their passion without the fear of seeing their pieces being destroyed after a few days as it occurs in the Graffiti alley, Werregaren by the large amount of tags.

The entire building site, with walls as far as the eye can reach, was in need of a layer of paint. Roa, Blue and many others took advantage of the opportunity to share their pieces with the outside world. The majority of the walls were coated with latex paint, which is an excellent foundation to show large scale paintings to full advantage.

The site was a cosy, sociable and safe environment thanks to the squatters who were always in for a chat. It was a hospitable setting where no distinction was made between race, class and whatever. Anyone was welcome at the gigs and parties which were regularly being organized.
The sign boards of Interbeton are the towers, featuring master pieces of graffiti artists without fear of heights. These artworks are still to be admired up to this day.

In the meanwhile practically all annexes have been demolished. The towers will remain, in future these will be renovated by the city of Ghent . A cultural center will be constructed on the abandoned harbor site.

The question arises whether we are really in need of a new district. Wouldn’t it be preferable to breathe life into this environment with a mix of architecture and culture.

Interbeton will be remembered by many artists for a long period of time.
There should be more similar spots where illegal graffiti is being tolerated, in order to brighten up our gray city.

Article written by Cypress Photo