This summer, from July 3 to September 30, the City of Brussels invites residents, visitors to rediscover its shopping districts in a new light, thanks to Philippe Katerine‘s “Brussels in Pink” exhibition. A dozen monumental sculptures of his emblematic character Monsieur Rose can be seen on the streets of city’s Pentagon, from the Grand Place to the Rue Haute, via the Galeries Ravenstein.

This open-air art trail, free of charge and accessible 24 hours a day, is part of “Enjoy the City” initiative by the city’s Economic Affairs department. The aim is to boost the attractiveness of Brussels, support local businesses and revitalize the urban space, making it a lively, attractive and surprising destination for everyone.

“These large pink figures are surprising, intriguing and stand out in the urban landscape,” explains Didier Wauters, Alderman for Economic Affairs and Commerce for the City of Brussels. “They clearly arouse curiosity and will encourage many Brussels residents and visitors to browse the various shopping streets where they will be placed, with interesting spin-offs for commerce in the capital.

Philippe Katerine’s second-degree, even slightly wacky side fits in well with the zwanze and surrealism of Brussels. So, in the end, it’s only logical that his work should be present here.

Shop local, discover art:
Brussels shops in the spotlight

With the slogan “Shop local, discover art & enjoy the city”, this original artistic project in partnership with the rentingART agency highlights the shopping districts of central Brussels. The “Monsieur Rose” artists take you from shop window to shop window, transforming the shopping streets into an open-air museum.

By blending contemporary art with everyday life, the City of Brussels aims to boost the appeal of its local shops, support retailers and encourage people to stroll around the city center. Dedicated signage and online tools – interactive map, explanatory sheets, publications on social networks – will guide the public through the various stages of the artistic journey… and the best addresses in the area.

“Brussels in Pink”: Philippe Katerine transforms downtown shopping districts into an open-air art gallery

Did you know?

Mignonisme, an artistic movement imagined by Philippe Katerine, celebrates the sweetness, absurdity and strangeness of everyday life. With their round shapes and vitamin pink, Monsieur Rose’s sculptures provoke smiles, raise questions and divert the eye.

Well-known actor, director, singer and composer Philippe Katerine is also a visual artist. He likes to draw everyday life, paraphrasing the big questions of life with humor. His candy-pink creatures, zany and tender, deliver a message conducive to daydreaming: to see the world as cute as a rose, with its petals and its thorns.

Curious to discover more? This is a perfect occassion to follow the Brussels in Pink art trail and rediscover some of city’s wonderful districts. Our favourites? Statues on Rue Royale and Place de la Liberté.

The exact locations of the route can be found on the Enjoy The City Instagram account:
https://www.instagram.com/enjoy.the.city.bxl/