The Crystal Ship unveils more than 50 new artworks in Ostend

The prestigious street art festival, The Crystal Ship, transformed Ostend into a mecca for art lovers during the first week of the Easter holidays. With 15 international artists, including names like Case Maclaim (D), Hera (D) and Hoxxoh (US), the city was transformed into a living work of art. This edition of the festival featured the creation of over 50 new artworks, ranging from imposing murals to subtle interventions, bringing the total number of artworks to eighty large walls and over 100 small interventions.

The arts festival The Crystal Ship takes place annually in Ostend. International and national artists create art installations and murals using the city as their canvas. These new creations are seamlessly integrated into The Crystal Ship's existing art trail, giving Ostend a lively and constantly evolving art trail.

James Ensor as inspiration

James Ensor's influence was noticeable in all the artworks, with artists giving their own interpretation of the "Carnival of Life" theme. South Africa's Motel7 even added a quote from Ensor to its work, while Case Maclaim created an impressive collage and Wayne Horse has long been inspired by the master.  

Cape Town and Ostend

The festival also stays connected internationally, with an exchange programme with the street art festival in Cape Town, South Africa. This year, it was Motel7's turn to make the move to Ostend and share its art with the Belgian public. In addition, an artist from Ostende also worked on a wall for the first time, more specifically a resident of the Argentinian 'Ostende'. Caco paints a metre-high self-portrait of James Ensor with makers and the sea in the background.

Jaune

Brussels-based artist Jaune remains a crowd favourite and has cemented his status as the festival's mascot with more than 30 new works. His interpretation of Ensor's work, as part of Ensor2024, adds a contemporary twist to the classic scenes from The Baths of Ostend.

Visiting the artworks

For visitors wishing to explore the arts trail, temporary maps are available from Tourism Ostend vzw and routes can be followed via the app Ostend City Walks. Final paper maps will be available from the beginning of May for visitors who prefer this to the app.

A QR code was also added on the new and existing works this year for visitors. Scanning this will give you more information about the artist, the story surrounding the mural and a link to all the works on the art route.