British-Guyanese artist Hew Locke to provide context to statue King Leopold II in Ostend
An art project by British-Guyanese artist Hew Locke will provide extra context to the statue of King Leopold II on the seafront at Ostend. The equestrian statue is controversial because of the role of the Belgian king in Congo.
The statue of King Leopold II on Ostend’s promenade is controversial because of the Belgian king's colonial past. Under his rule, large numbers of Congolese were killed and abused. The equestrian statue has been defaced, daubed with red paint and vandalised several times in the past.
In 2019, Ostend decided to keep the monument in place but to provide extra context. A call for projects was issued in 2023. Curator Pieter Boons selected 11 artists with African roots working around the legacy of colonialism. They were each allowed to propose an art project.
The winning design is an art project by British-Guyanese sculptor Hew Locke. “Five masts will be placed in front of the statue,” explained outgoing alderwoman Silke Beirens to Flemish public broadcaster VRT. “On each mast, there will be a symbol linked to colonial history.” Which symbols they will be, has not yet been decided. The selection will be made together with the residents of Ostend.
The artist has provided several suggestions for potential symbols on the masts. “There’s the fist, which is an international symbol of resistance,” stated Beirens. “Locke also wants rubber trees to be depicted on the masts, as this refers to resource extraction in Congo.”
The winning design was chosen by the city authorities with input from residents of Ostend. The city hopes to have the masts in place by the end of 2025.
#FlandersNewsService | Statue of King Leopold II of Belgium in Ostend © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER