The municipality of Zoersel has recently gained a new work of art. And not just any work of art. They joined forces with street art collective Treepack and artist Joris Lacroix in order to highlight the relationship with sister municipality Bohicon (Benin). A lively mural was created that responds to the natural environment of Benin and the common mission to let bees flourish again.
The municipality of Zoersel has been focusing on art in public spaces for some time now. And the street art organisation Treepack went a step further. A few façades near the roundabout on Zoerselsteenweg were brightened up with a colourful mural. The artist, Joris Lacroix, discovered the openness and warmth of the Zoersel residents and, in gratitude, created a nature experience that could have come straight from southern Benin.
The final result shows a local beekeeper tending his bees in the southern landscape of Bohicon (Benin). This theme clearly reflects the vision and mission of both Bohicon and Zoersel, both municipalities are very committed to the preservation of bees in the natural environment. These small animals are indispensable in a healthy and balanced ecosystem. In recent years, Zoersel has been working on the creation of a real bee forest. An area with no less than 1600 trees and bushes where bees will easily find nectar.
Finally, the artist integrated the utility box on the façade into the work of art. A direct reference to the hives that are used in Benin to give the bees a helping hand. It is also a wink and a teaser to the next street art project in Zoersel, namely Tour Elentrik.
