GUM Gent
ROA
ROA
in depth
Since the start of Wallin', collaborating with local legend ROA was something that was always high on our wish list. With the arrival of Gum, the new Ghent University Museum, this could finally be crossed off our list. After years of travel, discovery and leaving a trail throughout the world, the paintbrush of the ROA found its way back home.
GUM is a museum about science, research and critical thinking, where visitors can discover that science is the result of trial and error, doubt and imagination. ROA was not spared this process during his visit either. The composition of the work reflected the literal construction of his working process. Along the way, he searches for the right pieces for the right place. This gave fruit to a large pile of skeletons including those of an elephant, a rhinoceros, a grizzly bear and an okapi.
The mural is a good representation of how a company can communicate its story to the outside world on a timeless basis. The artwork perfectly represents what GUM stands for and has also become the biggest eye-catcher in Ghent. Many mouths dropped open when the news broke that ROA was back in business in Ghent. The press was wildly enthusiastic and the artwork was twice on the 7 p.m. news.
About the
Artist
ROA is famous for his monumental black and white paintings of rabbits, birds, rats, fish and other animals, which he first started to paint on the walls in the surrounding cities of his hometown Ghent. The animals, often sunken, skeletal or dead, reflect ROA's pessimistic view on society. He always looks for relevance between the animals that he paints and the neighbourhood. Often they are extinct or no longer present in the neighbourhood due to circumstances.
Onze laatste
projecten.
Ghent’s Waterways
Contemporary art connects with Ghent’s waterways through a temporary route across the city.
Encounter — Ase Toralba
A spontaneous encounter turned into a beautiful mural. Antonio & Paloma brought street art to life in a hidden green spot in Ghent.
Oleon — Patrick Croes
Patrick Croes transformed Oleon’s industrial training centre with a fresh artistic look.
Pheasant — Han Coussement
Inspired by the local landscape of Wevelgem, Han created a unique mural that reflects the character of the community.
Dreaming — Smates
With his latest mural, Smates tells the moving story of a boy and a girl connected through an invisible dialogue.
The Sun’s Farewell Ballet — Krimsone
Inspired by the wishes of the residents, Krimsone creates a mural that radiates tranquillity, colour and connectedness.
Start your
Project
Do you have an office, kids room or a blank wall at home that could use a unique lick of paint? Or do you have a project in mind where graffiti and street art can be an added value? An event, promotional campaign or other creative ideas? We work everything out with you from start to finish!
Blogs
WATERWEG — Kunst langs de Gentse waterlijn
Water vormt al eeuwenlang de ruggengraat van Gent. De Leie en de Schelde tekenen niet alleen de grenzen van de stad, maar verbinden ook buurten, functies en ritmes. Met het project WATERWEG, gerealiseerd binnen het wijkbudget van de Binnenstad, werd die waterlijn tijdelijk ingezet als drager voor hedendaagse kunst.
Het uitgangspunt was eenvoudig: onderzoeken hoe kunst een betekenisvolle rol kan spelen langs de Gentse waterwegen, zonder de plek te domineren. Niet één centrale locatie, maar een reeks kleine ingrepen, verspreid langs de oevers. In de praktijk kwam de focus te liggen op het traject tussen het Patershol en De Krook.
Planned For Demolition
In een voormalige supermarkt te Gent ontstaat een tijdelijke tentoonstelling, vlak voor het gebouw verdwijnt. Kunstenaars vullen de lege muren en open ruimten met werk dat specifiek voor dit korte moment wordt gemaakt, volledig bewust van zijn vergankelijkheid. De structuur, het achtergelaten materiaal en de rauwe sfeer van het pand vormen mee het decor en de inspiratiebron.