The Virgin Ghent

Several creative musicians, photographers and artists live and work in Ghent. Whether they write a song about it, record a movie in the streets or just post pictures on social media, they are all great ambassadors of our city. Contemporary artist and painter Michaël Borremans gave Ghent a very special gift. His first work in public space can be seen in the heart of the city.

On november 18, 2014 the little fresco 'De Maagd' (The Virgin) was revealed. I first followed the reaction of Pierke Pierlala, a popular figure and famous in Ghent, who called it an 'enlarged stamp'. But if you look closer, you'll see a warm, dark and mysterious portrait of a young woman. Borremans' 60x70cm fresco is a gift to the city. The work should speak for itself, the painter wouldn't give any explanation about it.

If you know the work of Borremans, you will feel the well known fascination you can sense from his other paintings. The strong rays of light coming out of the young woman's eyes are mysterious. Maybe a link to the Ghent Altarpiece?

You can find it on the new concrete clock tower next to the new City pavilion. Where you can find Borremans' signature, that's something to discover yourself.