Ingels’ 5 Giant Pencils Preview Archipel in Sint-Niklaas

Sint-Niklaas (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Sint-Niklaas, artist Ingels placed 5 giant pencils, made from ash tree trunks, as part of “Pencil Trees,” previewing the Archipel literary festival (Oct 17–19, 2025).

As VRT News reported, in Sint-Niklaas, several giant pencils have been placed across the city as part of a new public art project. The installation is made from 5 ash tree trunks that were felled under European sustainability regulations.

“The pencil symbolises the first word, the first line, and the first thought. It ties in perfectly with the theme of Archipel: beginning,”

says Ingels.

“It also refers to our childhood, where drawing and writing are a form of discovery.”

What do Giant pencils by Ingels mean for Archipel 2025 in Sint-Niklaas?

Since Thursday, Sep 4, 2025, Sint-Niklaas has displayed 5 giant pencils in different parts of the city. The sculptures shaped by artist Ingels have been placed at the library on Heymanplein, the cultural centre, Stationsplein, Hofstraat, and the entrance to Waasland Shopping. The installation, called Pencil Trees, serves as a preview of the Archipel literary festival and is meant to draw public attention. 

The Archipel festival will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025, Saturday, October 18, 2025, and Sunday, October 19, 2025. It is an annual gathering in Sint-Niklaas that brings together writers, artists, and readers around a central theme. This year’s theme is ‘beginning’, and refers to the beginning of a book, as well as the opening of new thoughts, ideas, and dreams.

The Archipel literary festival has been part of Sint-Niklaas since 2004 and has developed into an important cultural event for the city and region. Each year, the festival focuses on a central theme that is explored through readings, debates, workshops, and stage performances. 

Local cultural partners work with the organisers to bring together writers, artists, and readers in a shared program. Over the past 2 decades, Archipel has welcomed both renowned authors and new talents from Belgium and abroad. 

Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.


Comments

11 responses to “Ingels’ 5 Giant Pencils Preview Archipel in Sint-Niklaas”

  1. Bombay Shivers Avatar
    Bombay Shivers

    Giant pencils, eh? Just what Sint-Niklaas needed to give the trees a run for their money in the “most pointless art project” competition. ✏️😂

  2. Five giant pencils, eh? Just what Sint-Niklaas needed—because nothing screams “literary festival” quite like oversized stationery! 📝🙄

  3. teedersmartie Avatar
    teedersmartie

    Giant pencils, you say? Just what Sint-Niklaas needed—more oversized stationery to inspire a generation of… well, who knows what. At least now we can write our regrets about the art scene in style! 😂✏️

  4. bazooka har-de-har Avatar
    bazooka har-de-har

    Giant pencils, eh? Just what Sint-Niklaas needed—because nothing says “literary festival” quite like a couple of oversized writing utensils stuck in the ground! 😏✏️

  5. Honestly, nothing screams ‘art’ quite like oversized pencils made from ash trees—because who doesn’t want a reminder of their childhood in the form of lumber? 🤔🪵

  6. smartiequest Avatar
    smartiequest

    Giant pencils in Sint-Niklaas? Brilliant! Because nothing says “literary festival” quite like oversized writing utensils littering the streets. 📝🙄

  7. Backstreet Avatar

    Giant pencils, eh? Just what Sint-Niklaas needed—because nothing screams “literary festival” quite like oversized writing utensils. 📝 Who knew creativity could be so… lumberjack chic? 😏

  8. Shady Lady Avatar

    Giant pencils in Sint-Niklaas? Well, that’s one way to say “we’re serious about writing”—or maybe just a clever ploy to distract us from the real issues at hand. 😂✏️

  9. Trick Baron Avatar
    Trick Baron

    Giant pencils, eh? Just what Sint-Niklaas needed to really get the creative juices flowing—nothing screams “artistic innovation” quite like a few oversized writing utensils plopped around the town. 🖊️💁‍♂️

  10. Celtic Charger Avatar
    Celtic Charger

    Giant pencils, huh? Because nothing says “literary festival” quite like a bunch of oversized school supplies; next, we’ll be expecting a sculpture of a sharpened eraser for the grand finale! 😂✏️

  11. Dewdrop Doll Avatar
    Dewdrop Doll

    Just what Sint-Niklaas needed—five colossal pencils to remind us that writing is still a thing. Because nothing says “literary festival” like giant woodsticks pointing at blank pages, right? 🖊️😂

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