Giant new artwork unveiled in Aalborg: It tells a special story

A new large mural has been unveiled in Aalborg.

On the gable wall at Samsøgade 36-38 in Øgaderne, Belgian artist Smates has spent the past ten days working on the piece “Dancing in the Rain,” which is now complete.

The motif is based on the history of the area and life in the old courtyards of the working-class neighbourhood.

At the centre is a girl in a yellow raincoat and rubber boots, jumping in puddles in front of buildings from the past.

The mural was created in collaboration between KIRK Gallery, Vivabolig, and Smates, and according to KIRK Gallery, several residents have shared their own memories of the neighbourhood’s old backyards during the process.

Past and present meet

Smates, whose real name is Bart Smeets, has used old photographs from the area as inspiration for the artwork.

“A mural should be part of its surroundings and create a connection to the environment around it,” says the artist.

The old buildings in the background are painted in shades of grey as a representation of the past, while the child in the foreground is painted in warm colours and represents the present.

“Present and past are brought together in one unified composition.

A mural that evokes positive feelings in those who still have fond memories of the past, while also giving them the opportunity to pass those memories on to their children,” says Smates.

Part of a major art project

Bart Smeets lives and works in Mechelen, Belgium, and is known for his realistic murals, which he has created in several places around the world.

The new artwork in Øgaderne is part of KIRK Gallery’s “Out in the Open” project, which is now entering its 13th year.

And there is more to come.

KIRK Gallery says that several new murals are already in the works in Aalborg.