How it all began -
A personal note from Rick Molyneux (Magnus Mori)
Geschreven door Rick Molyneux
A few months ago, I received a message from Adrien Lobet (EYES-B).
His question was simple yet challenging:
‘Would you like to participate in an experimental event, a session entirely devoted to abstract art?’
Adrien is someone who has been shaping the Brussels art scene for years. Professionally, he is one of the key figures behind the Brussels comic walls – sleek, figurative work that can be found in many places around the city. But in addition to this commercial work, he has developed his own unique, expressive style in recent years: colourful, dynamic, almost like a storm in motion. His ‘tsunami-style’ graffiti is an outlet, a place where he can create freely without anyone giving him guidelines.
For me, his invitation immediately clicked. As Wallin', we are always looking for projects that dare to try something new, that shake up a city for a moment. Adrien's vision – to create a place where only abstract work is welcome – felt like just such an opportunity.
The Jam – Preparation:
This wasn't our first rodeo. Over the years, we've organised several graffiti jams – often in less hospitable conditions than the Castar Wall. At least here we had a roof over our heads. No matter how much rain fell, our wall would stay dry, and our desire to keep painting wouldn't sink into the mud.
We started preparing the wall the day before.
Cleaning up the area felt bittersweet because it served as a “Hall of Fame”; a place where individual artists and collectives created high-quality, full-fledged productions. In recent weeks, various Brussels crews had put their blood, sweat, tears and years of experience into turning the area into a masterpiece.
Nevertheless, we connected our paint sprayer and started the process of repainting the wall in a uniform grey. We brought together 70 people, each driven to leave behind a beautiful work of art. We could afford it.
Adrien had arranged for sponsors to provide a good number of litres of primer. This is rarely a new, freshly mixed pot. The paint had once been mixed incorrectly for a customer and ended up at the back of a warehouse. Does that make this paint any less good? Far from it, every drop of free paint is as welcome as can be. We therefore invite people to order paint more often without their glasses on.
A little less than a thousand square metres away, the wall awaited its guests like a perfectly laid table. The wall was divided mathematically into sections so that the artists each had a piece to do their thing.
The Jam – The Jam
Slowly, the air filled with dust, the smell of paint and the sound of spray cans. More and more artists flocked to the scene, and the wall came to life.
One of the typical things we see in graffiti jams is that everyone is self-sufficient. Everyone brings their own materials, from paint to ladders. If you can't provide a ladder yourself, you suddenly become dependent on the working pace of the person who does have one.
The logistical facilities were rudimentary but efficient: a small tent with a croque monsieur machine and a row of beer tables to sit on. A small base camp is always a handy place to hang out and take your mind off your wall. I took it upon myself to provide the artists with the necessary croque monsieurs to keep their energy levels up.
The power of abstraction
Abstract art demands something of us. It requires us to look without immediately needing to understand. That is precisely why we started this project.
With Abstract Sessions, we want to create a space where creators can meet, where new styles are born, and where you, as a visitor, can witness that creative process. It's not just about the end result – it's about experiencing the journey.
A meeting of generations and styles
The line-up consists of established names and emerging talent from Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Spain. Bringing all these artists together creates a unique dialogue: the experience of the veterans meets the energy of the newcomers. Expect a wall full of contrasts, tensions and unexpected harmony.
Why this affects us
For us at Wallin’, this project is about more than just painting. It’s about creating space: for experimentation, for exchange, for a new visual language that shapes our cities.
We believe that art doesn’t have to be neat to be valuable. Sometimes it is most powerful when it is wild, unfiltered and public.
