Migration - 2026
Ghent, Belgium
Knowing that Ghent is a hub for many immigrants, I wanted the mural to reflect this theme. As an amateur birdwatcher, I’m drawn to species whose behavior mirrors that of humans, using them as a way to convey meaning. For this project, I focused on birds that migrate between Morocco and Ghent.
I chose the Barn Swallow—a bird I personally enjoy observing, but one that also carries strong symbolic value. Historically, sailors would tattoo swallows on their bodies after traveling a certain number of nautical miles. The bird is also associated with the idea of returning home, as swallows reliably come back to the same place each year.
In the background of these migrating birds, abstract shapes and forms represent the city of Ghent on one side and the countries and cultures from which these immigrants originate on the other. Subtly, some birds are depicted flying in the opposite direction, suggesting migration from Europe to Morocco, while also evoking the idea that some immigrants eventually return to their homeland later in life.
I was assited by the lovely
@narjess_elhammouti , who ended up painting the majority of this mural.
This project wouldn't have been possible without the engagement of
@rogiersp . It took a couple of years for this mural to happen, but it did at last, and for that, I'm very thankful.
