Bonheiden (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A 200-meter graffiti wall near Imelda Hospital in Bonheiden features 40 insects painted by artist Dzia. Coordinated by Nils Wens, it highlights local biodiversity and Flanders’ fragmented nature.
As VRT news reported, a 200-meter graffiti wall has been unveiled near Imelda Hospital in Bonheiden, in the province of Antwerp, Belgium. turning public space into a celebration of nature. Graffiti artist Dzia painted around 40 insects on the wall, all of which can be found in the heathland behind it.
Nils Wens, coordinator of Rivierenland Nature Park, explains that the wall shows the richness of local wildlife while also pointing out a serious problem. He mentioned that nature in Flanders has become very fragmented in recent decades. Many natural areas are now small and isolated, which has led people to call it “postage-stamp nature.”
What can Dzia’s 200m graffiti wall in Bonheiden teach about nature?
The graffiti wall is part of the Animalinas tourist route, a 100-kilometre path that links fragmented natural areas across the region. Along this route, experts have mapped the species that live there, and Dzia’s graffiti gives a visual tribute to this local wildlife.
“Walking in nature gets an extra layer with this graffiti wall.”
Flemish Minister of Culture Caroline Gennez (Vooruit)
Stefan Clays, the hospital’s facility director, says the wall was unattractive and separated the hospital from the Mispeldonk heathland nearby. Natuurpunt suggested turning the wall into art, and the idea was welcomed. The project is now complete.
“I am very happy that we can bring nature and culture together here,”
says Flemish Minister of Culture Caroline Gennez (Vooruit).
Artist Dzia painted local animals of all sizes that live in the neighbourhood. He mentioned that the artwork is not just beautiful but also educational, helping people recognise local wildlife. Children visiting with their parents can cycle, walk, and discover the animals on the wall.
The Animalinas route, created by Natuurpunt and Rivierenland Nature Park. The project started in 2023. Similar projects have taken place in other Belgian cities. In 2022, Antwerp saw murals of local wildlife painted along public walls to raise awareness about urban biodiversity. In 2023, Ghent hosted a project where artists created graffiti of birds, insects, and small mammals on walls near parks and nature areas.
Leave a Reply